Devils sign former No. 1 pick

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 9 (UPI) -- The New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman David Hale, their first-round pick in the 2000 draft.

Terms were not disclosed.

Hale, 21, just completed his junior season at North Dakota, where he had two goals, six assists, and 49 penalty minutes in 26 games. In three years for the Fighting Sioux, the 6-2, 210-pound defenseman totaled 10 goals, 16 assists, and 191 penalty minutes in 104 games.

"We've watched David's progress on the college level, and feel he is ready for the next step," said New Jersey General Manager Lou Lamoriello. "We look forward to having him in training camp in September."

The native of Colorado Springs was the 22nd overall pick in 2000.