University of Maine senior defenseman Jake Rutt of Scarborough has signed a contract to play for the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.
Rutt was en route to Idaho on Tuesday and couldn’t be reached for comment.
The Steelheads entertain the Bakersfield Condors on Wednesday night.
The hard-nosed Rutt had his best year as a Black Bear this past season with four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 38 games. He had 53 shots on goal. Rutt was assessed 20 penalties for 43 minutes. He was second on the team in penalty minutes.
He concluded his career with nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 120 games.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Rutt was an assistant captain this year.
During the 2012-13 season, Rutt shared the team lead in power-play goals with four.
Rutt will join former Black Bears forward David de Kastrozza with the Steelheads.
Ex-Black Bears winger Cal Ingraham had his No. 22 retired by the Steelheads after he racked up 175 goals and 206 assists for 381 points in 274 games over four seasons in Boise. He is in the Idaho Steelheads Hall of Fame.
“I am unbelievably excited for the opportunity to play in Boise, Idaho for the Steelheads,” said Rutt via his Twitter account @jrutt4.
“It’s great,” said Maine coach Red Gendron. “He can skate, he’s physical, and he can shoot the crap out of the puck. He deserves an opportunity.”
Rutt’s teammate, center Devin Shore, has signed a contract with the Dallas Stars.