Vancouver Canucks sign college free agent defenceman Troy Stecher

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenceman Troy Stecher.

The 22-year-old native of Richmond, B.C., had eight goals and 29 assists for the University of North Dakota last season, helping the Fighting Hawks to their eighth NCAA championship.

The 5-foot-11, 191-pound defenceman has 13 goals and 40 assists in 119 NCAA games over three seasons.

Prior to his collegiate career, Stecher spent three seasons with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. He helped the Vees capture the RBC national Junior A championship in 2012, where he was named the top defenceman.