Vicari leaves MSU, signs with ECHL's Storm

Michigan State senior goaltender Dominic Vicari has decided to forego his final season of collegiate eligibility, opting to pursue a professional hockey career.

"In this day and age, the reality is that not all players stay in college all four years," noted Michigan State head coach Rick Comley. "We wish Dominic good luck in his pursuit of a professional career."

The 21-year-old Clinton Township native has subsequently signed with the Toledo Storm of the ECHL, a Detroit Red Wings' affiliate.

Vicari appeared in 83 career games for Michigan State in his three seasons, and posted a 2.37 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage. He recorded 16 shutouts, good for second on the all-time list behind Ryan Miller. His career games played ranks eighth in the Michigan State record book, while his goals-against average and save percentage both rank fourth.

"I made my decision based on Rick Comley and how he perceived my future at MSU,'' Vicari said in the Lansing State Journal. "He said they were going with Jeff (Lerg) as the No. 1 and that he needed me as the backup. I felt that he was trying to push me out and that I couldn't play for him. It was time to move on.''

As a junior in 2005-06, Vicari appeared in 16 games, with a 2.62 goals-against average and .896 save percentage (8-6-2 record).

Lerg and Steve Mnich remain with the Spartans in goal and freshman Bobby Jarosz has been added to the roster.