NEWARK, N.J. – UMass Lowell senior defenseman Michael Kapla (Eau Claire, Wis.) has signed a two-year entry level contract with the NHL's New Jersey Devils.  The announcement was made by the Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero. The contract will begin with the 2016-17 season and he will report to New Jersey.
 
The River Hawk Captain scored three-goals and a career high 30-points during his senior season as the team shared in the conference regular season title and won the Hockey East Tournament Championship.  His 27-assists was a career high.  Kapla was honored as a Hockey East Second Team All Star and was named to the NCAA Northeast Regional All-Tournament Team and the Hockey East All-Tournament Team.
 
"We are very pleased that Michael is going to get his chance to play in the National Hockey League with the NJ Devils," said UMass Lowell Hockey Head Coach Norm Bazin.  "He has certainly earned this opportunity with his detailed professional approach throughout his college years. We wish him the best as he tackles this next challenge."
 
During his four years at UMass Lowell, Kapla established himself as one of Hockey East's premier blueliners and one of the most durable players in college hockey.  He suited up for 161 consecutive games and in the process set the program record for games played.  With 92-points, Kapla ranks second among River Hawks Division I defensemen in career scoring.  His 75 career assists is the school's Division I record for defensemen.  Only two defensemen in the country scored more points during the four year period and only one had more assists.
 
The River Hawk teams the Wisconsin native played for won 99 games, the second most successful four year period in the program's Division I history.  UMass Lowell won the Hockey East Championship in both 2014 and 2017.  During Kapla's freshman season, he was named to the 2014 Hockey East All-Rookie Team.