Blues expected to sign goalie Ben Bishop

BY NORM SANDERS
News-Democrat
ST. LOUIS -- 03/11/08

Native St. Louisan Ben Bishop, a junior goalie at the University of Maine, was in St. Louis for a physical Tuesday and is expected to sign with the St. Louis Blues.

Once he signs, the 6-foot-7 Bishop would be assigned to the Blues' top farm team in Peoria. Bishop helped lead Maine to the NCAA Frozen Four tournament last spring at Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

Bishop was 55-34-7 at Maine, including a 13-18-3 mark this season with a 2.43 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. The Black Bears weren't as strong this season, but Bishop still came close to matching his career averages in goals-against and save percentage.

Bishop was 21-7-2 as a freshman and 21-9-2 as a sophomore. Along with his amazing size and athleticism, Bishop is known as a strong puckhandler.

Bishop was the Blues' third-round pick in the 2005 draft, selected 85th overall. He attended Chaminade High in St. Louis and also led the Texas Tornado to the North American Hockey League championship in 2005, going 35-8 with a 1.93 goals-against average and five shutouts.