Lightning sign 2012 first-rounder Koekkoek

The Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday signed 2012 first-round draft choice Slater Koekkoek to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Koekkoek, a 6-foot-2, 186-pound defenseman, played 42 games in the Ontario Hockey League, including 40 with the Peterborough Petes, connecting for six goals and 28 points. He was traded to the Windsor Spitfires on Jan. 10, and had one assist and a plus-2 rating in two games.

The Lightning selected Koekkoek with their first choice (No. 10) in the 2012 NHL Draft.

"He's got tremendous skating to go with real good size and a terrific competitive streak," Lightning director of amateur scouting, Al Murray, told NHL.com. "He's more skilled than people give him credit for."

Koekkoek is a product of the prestigious Notre Dame Academy in Wilcox, Sask., the same school that produced Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier.

He's played in 133 career OHL games and has produced 18 goals, 70 points and 112 penalty minutes. He represented Canada at the 2011 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, producing two points in seven games and helped lead his country to a bronze medal. Koekkoek also played in the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and led Canada in defensive scoring with five points in five games, while also serving as alternate captain.