Wings, Jackson agree Ex-UM star gets entry-level deal

DETROIT – The Red Wings have signed forward Todd Jackson, goalie Logan Koopmans and forward Derek Meech to entry-level contracts.

Jackson’s contract is for two years, while Koopmans and Meech signed for three. All the contracts began Tuesday.

Jackson, 23, was originally Detroit’s eighth round pick in the 2000 entry draft. He spent the last four seasons playing for Maine, where he appeared in 161 games with 45 goals and 54 assists.

Jackson captained this year’s Black Bears to the NCAA finals. Maine lost the championship to the University of Denver in a 1-0 game.

The speedy Jackson, a native of Cortland, N.Y., had his best season in 2003-2004 with a team-high 21 goals along with 33 points, which was third-best on the team. Five of his goals were shorthanded which tied him for second in the country. His 21 goals placed him in a tie for 13th in the nation. He came to Maine from the United States National Development Team program.

Koopmans, 20, was originally Detroit’s fifth round pick in 2002. Koopmans played the last four seasons with the World Hockey League’s Lethbridge Hurricanes. He has appeared in 138 games, posting a record of 57-57-10.

Meech, 20, was originally drafted by Detroit as a seventh round pick in 2002. He has played the last five seasons with the World Hockey League’s Red Deer Rebels. He has appeared in 263 games scoring 27 goals and 70 assists.