Minnesota Wild sign UVM goalie Brody Hoffman

University of Vermont junior goaltender Brody Hoffman has agreed to an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, forgoing his final year of eligibility with the Catamounts.

Hoffman, a Wilkie, Saskatchewan native, has been rumored to be leaving UVM since a second half spat with head coach Kevin Sneddon. Following being pulled from a game, Hoffman went down the runway and didn't return to the bench. He lost the starting job to sophomore Mike Santaguida for the rest of the regular season and first four games of the playoffs.

Hoffman replaced Santaguida midway through the first game of UVM's Hockey East Quarterfinal series against Boston College with the Catamounts trailing, 4-0. He shut the door the rest of the way in that game and stymied the Eagles as UVM rallied for a series victory.

Hoffman is a big goaltender who takes up a lot of the net. He had a 2.06 goals against average and .922 save percentage for the season. His playoff numbers were even better, with a miniscule 1.12 goals against average and .967 save percentage.

Hoffman will report to Minnesota's AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior, high school and prep hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on Twitter @JeffCoxSports.