The Ducks signed 2006 first-round draft pick Mark Mitera to a three-year entry-level contract today, and the defenseman will report directly to the Iowa Chops.

The 21-year-old served as team captain in his senior year with the University of Michigan, which was recently ousted by Notre Dame in the NCAA playoffs. He missed most of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, suffered Oct. 10, then returned for eight games, posting a goal and three points.

As a junior, Mitera served as an alternate captain in 2007-08. He was named the Inside College Hockey Defenseman of the Year and also qualified as a CCHA finalist for Best Defensive Defenseman. In addition, Mitera was named to the NCAA East Regional All-Tournament team. With 2-21=23 points in 43 games in 2007-08, he led the CCHA champion Wolverines in scoring, setting career highs in goals, points and assists.

In 131 career games with the Wolverines, Mitera collected 4-50=54 points with 175 penalty minutes (PIM). A member of the 2005-06 National Junior Team, he also won a Gold Medal with Team USA at the 2005 World Under-18 Championships.

In 2006, the Ducks chose Mitera with the 19th overall selection.

His career statistics:

Season Team League GP G A Pts. PIM

2005-06 U. of Michigan CCHA 39 0 10 10 59

2006-07 U. of Michigan CCHA 41 1 17 18 52

2007-08 U. of Michigan CCHA 43 2 21 23 60

2008-09 U. of Michigan CCHA 8 1 2 3 4