Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine men's ice hockey team has announced that Artyom Duda has signed a National Letter of Intent with the Black Bears. Duda, who was selected 36th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the second round of the 2022 National Hockey League draft, is set to join the Black Bears in the fall of 2023.

Duda, a native of Moscow, Russia, is the highest NHL draft pick to join the Black Bears since Barrett Heisten was taken with the 20th overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1999 NHL draft.

Since 2022, Duda has compeated for Krasnaya Armiya Moskva of the MHL, Zvezda Moskva of the VHL, and most recently appeared in 14 games for CSKA Moscow of the KHL where he tallied three assists. While with Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, Duda compiled five goals and eight assists in 14 outings.

In 2021-22, Duda appeared in 52 games for Krasnaya Armiya Moskva where he registered 14 goals and 27 assists. The 6-1, 187-pound defenseman also competed with the Russia U18 team in 2021-22, compiling six assists in nine games.

This award is on the condition of acceptance to the University of Maine and meeting the initial eligibility and amateurism standards of the NCAA Eligibility Center.

-UMaine-