Men's Ice Hockey | June 22, 2017

PITTSBURGH, Pa., -- Western Michigan junior forward Frederik Tiffels has signed with the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday.

Tiffels leaves WMU after three seasons, appearing in 105 career games with 59 points on 27 goals and 32 assists. Tiffels was the first German national to play in the Brown & Gold when he made his debut back in 2014. This past season he tied his career-high with 21 points on nine goals and a career-best 12 assists, helping the Broncos reach the NCHC Semifinals and the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in program history.

"We're really excited for Freddy's opportunity," said head coach Andy Murray. "He's done everything the right way at Western. For a guy who English was a second language, he was an 'A' student and a leader on the ice and in our locker room. He leaves us in great academic standing and is close to completing his degree."

"I'd like to thank Coach Murray, the staff and my teammates as well as Kathy Beauregard for giving me this opportunity," said Tiffels. "Western Michigan hockey had all the resources that I needed to get better and it was a wonderful experience in my three years here. I'd also like to thank the Pittsburgh Penguins for taking a chance and drafting me. I look forward to repaying that trust as I continue to work hard and improve every day."

The Cologne, Germany, native becomes the 13th player under Murray to sign a contract with a NHL franchise and the third this year, joining Matheson Iacopelli (Chicago Blackhawks) and Griffen Molino (Vancouver Canucks), Sheldon Dries (Dallas Stars)

Recently he starred for Germany at the 2017 World Championships. Tiffels scored two goals in the tournament and helped the team advance to the quarterfinals.