Not drafted in the National Hockey League draft, former Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Kirkland Lake Gold Miner goaltender Ken Appleby signs entry level contract with the NHL New Jersey Devils.
The North Bay, Ontario native was drafted by the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection Draft in the second round and the 35th selection overall.
The 6’4” and 205 lbs goaltender dressed for a total of 29 regular season games in the NOJHL with Kirkland Lake in the 2011 – 2012 season. In 29 games, Appleby registered a goals against average of 4.70 and a .887 save percentage. In three post – season games during the 2011 – 2012 season, the North Bay native had a 6.74 GAA and a save percentage of .802.
In Oshawa with the Generals from 2012 – 2015, Appleby saw action in 92 regular season games where he finished with a goals against average of 2.42 and save percentage of .910. In 17 OHL play – off games in two seasons, Ken also had a goals against average of 2.60 and save percentage .922.
Appleby backstopped the Oshawa Generals to a Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup championship in the spring of 2015 along with being named to the 2014 – 2015 CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team. Other OHL accolades as a 19 year old in 2014 – 2015, Ken was also named CHL Memorial Cup Most Outstanding Goaltender, OHL Lowest Team GAA (Dave Pinkney Trophy) (2.08) and OHL Second All-Star Team mention.
As of October 4th, no financial terms were released but all entry – level contracts are two – way deals. Appleby will start the season with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL. With the signing of the former Gold Miner goaltender, the Devils have five goaltenders under contract in their system with Cory Schneider, Keith Kinkaid, Scott Wedgewood, Yann Danis and Appleby.
