The San Jose Barracuda have signed former Bridgeport Sound Tigers goaltender Stephon Williams to a one-year contract, the club announced today. The Fairbanks, Alaska native was originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2013 draft.
Williams got his start in 2012-13 as a freshman at Minnesota State University, where he won Rookie of the Year for his 31-12-2 record, .924 save percentage, and 2.00 goals-against average. He spent three years with the MSU Mavericks, helping them earn two WCHA titles. Williams was the Mavericks’ all-time leader in wins (51), save percentage (.917), and goals-against average (2.01) when he left in 2015.
Now 24, Williams has spent the last three seasons with the Islanders’ American League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. At six-foot-two and 190-pounds, Williams’ stats have taken a hit playing professionally. In 58 total AHL games, he’s posted an .899 save percentage and a 24-27-2 record. He fared better in the eight ECHL games he played with the Missouri Mavericks last season, where he posted a .916 save percentage.
The Barracuda lost goaltender Mantas Armalis to free agency this summer. With Troy Grosenick seemingly a lock for the starting job, the signings of Antoine Bibeau and now Williams adds more competition for the position.
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