Novi native Nolan Valleau signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Valleau (holding medal on the right side of the players group) celebrating Novi's 2011 high school state title. (MiHockey archives)
Valleau (holding medal on the right side of the players group) celebrating Novi’s 2011 high school state title. (MiHockey archives)

 

By @MichaelCaples –

UPDATE (August 18): The Chicago Blackhawks announced a two-year contract for Novi native Nolan Valleau today.

Per a report from Bowling Green’s Sentinel-Tribune, Novi native Nolan Valleau has signed with the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Valleau, who just wrapped up his first season with the Bowling Green State University Falcons as a redshirt freshman, went to NHL development camp sessions with the Winnipeg Jets and the Chicago Blackhawks, and apparently the latter liked him so much that they have signed him to an entry-level contract.

 

Valleau, 22, played one season of NAHL hockey with the New Mexico Mustangs and the Port Huron Fighting Falcons and one season of USHL hockey with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Chicago Steel from 2011-13 before one year with BGSU.

He is also a Novi High School alum; Valleau served as the Wildcats’ team captain in 2011 when Novi captured the MHSAA Division I state title.

In his short college stint, Valleau was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team, after recording two goals, 17 assists and a plus-3 rating.

The Falcons don’t have anything on their official site or on their official Twitter account just yet, but Valleau has been removed from their online roster.