Williams signs, to arrive here; optional Thursday notes

As was foretold the other day from Mankato, the Islanders today announced they’ve signed Stephon Williams to an entry-level contract. It’ll begin next season, so the fourth-rounder from 2013 will come to Bridgeport on an ATO. He’s expected in later today and should practice tomorrow.

He’s coming off an excellent junior year at Mankato, helping the Mavericks to the top seed in the NCAA tournament. They got knocked out by RIT, 2-1, on a late goal on which he got knocked down by a teammate.

Back here, a reasonably attended optional today, nine forwards (including, in red no-contact, Harry Zolnierczyk; says he’s feeling OK), seven defensemen and two goalies.

Notes from elsewhere: The Sharks sold out: Their AHL team down the hall will be the Barracuda*. Drew Miller didn’t lose an eye, so he’ll play, NBD.

And tip of the cap to Jon Peloquin, working his final games as the Falcons’ PA announcer, Ron Chimelis reports.

*-Sponsored by… well, you can guess. It’s kind of like that “life minute” on WCBS this morning that talked about using your brand-name food processor to make this recipe. The “life minute” is brought to you by brand-name food-processor company, says the announcer. No kidding?

Michael Fornabaio