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BUFFALO – Former Canisius defenseman Geoff Fortman has agreed to terms on a standard player contract with the Rapid City Rush of the East Coast Hockey League, the team announced.
A native of Crystal Lake, Ill., Fortman appeared in all 39 games for the Griffs this season, posting career highs in goals (2), assists (11) and points (13). Serving as team captain, Fortman helped lead Canisius to the program’s first Atlantic Hockey Conference regular season title and a program-record 17 game unbeaten streak. He was also a key part of a Griffs defense that led the AHC in scoring defense (1.89), goals allowed (53) and penalty kill percentage (.899).
In 137 career games for Canisius, Fortman recorded three goals and added 24 assists. He finished with a plus/minus rating of +9, blocked 153 shots and was whistled for just 33 minor penalties during his four seasons wearing the Blue and Gold.
Fortman also excelled in the classroom during his collegiate career, earning Atlantic Hockey Top Scholar Athlete accolades in 2014-15 and 2015-16. Earlier this season, Fortman was named one of 15 nominees for the 2017 Hockey Humanitarian Award.
Fortman becomes the second former Canisius player to sign a professional contract this week. Goaltender Charles Williams inked a standard player contract with the Manchester Monarchs on Tuesday.
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