Ian Moore Joins Anaheim Ducks: Exciting NHL Contract Signed After Harvard University Success!

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Senior captain Ian Moore has officially signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks, the team announced today. This marks an exciting step in Moore’s hockey journey.

Moore spent four impactful years in Cambridge, serving as captain for the past two. He played a remarkable 122 games, becoming just the ninth defenseman since 2002 to reach this milestone in a Crimson uniform. His leadership contributed significantly to the team’s success, including winning the 2023 ECAC Championship. In that championship game, Moore helped secure the victory over Quinnipiac with a goal and an assist, propelling Harvard into the NCAA Championship.

During his rookie year, Moore quickly made a name for himself, recording two goals and 13 assists in 35 games, along with an impressive +16 rating. His standout performance earned him spots on the ECAC All-Rookie Team and the All-Tournament Team, as well as an Honorable Mention for All-Ivy accolades.

His sophomore year saw him build on that success, achieving a career-high 19 points with one goal and 18 assists in 34 games. Moore also played a crucial role in Harvard’s collection of wins, contributing with important plays like a key assist for Marek Hejduk’s game-winning goal in the Beanpot first round against Boston College.

As a junior, he continued to shine, scoring the game-winning goal against Princeton in the ECAC playoffs and demonstrating his growing impact on the team. In his senior year, Moore led the Crimson once again, earning a spot on the All-Ivy second team and amassing a personal best of 60 blocked shots, placing him fourth all-time in the program’s history. His 56 career points rank him seventh since the 2002-03 season, following notable names like Adam Fox and Reilly Walsh.

Drafted by the Ducks in the third round (67th overall) during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Moore also represented the United States at the 2020 World Junior Championships, showcasing his skills on an international level.

In recent years, the rise of college players transitioning to the NHL has gained momentum. According to NHL statistics, the number of collegiate players drafted has steadily increased, with 29% of NHL players in the 2021-2022 season having played college hockey. This trend highlights the valuable development programs offered at universities and the significant talent emerging from these programs.

Fan reactions on social media highlight the excitement surrounding Moore’s signing, with many expressing anticipation for his future contributions to the Ducks. As the NHL continues to evolve, watching players like Moore make their mark at the professional level is thrilling for fans and aspiring athletes alike.

For more on the growing trend of college athletes making it to the NHL, you can check out the NHL’s [historical data on player origins](https://www.nhl.com).

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