Former Cowichan Valley Capitals defenceman Shayne Taker is a big step closer to fulfilling his dream of playing in the National Hockey League.
Taker, who recently wrapped up a four-year stint with the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, inked an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers on May 7, according to the NHL club's Twitter account.
Taker, now 24, 6'4" and 207 lbs, played two seasons on the Capitals' blueline between 2008 and 2010, accumulating 44 points on seven goals and 37 assists over 84 games. He went on to Notre Dame, where he played 152 games over four seasons, scoring eight goals and adding 39 assists for 47 points.
When the NCAA hockey season came to an end, he signed an amateur tryout contract with Florida's AHL farm team, the San Antonio Rampage, in April. Taker played five games with the Rampage, registering no points and finishing at minus-seven.