PRO SIGNINGS - 2012-13 OFFSEASON

The following is a list we will continue to update over the spring and summer months as players from Michigan colleges sign professional contracts.

FERRIS STATE
Eric Alexander, Sr., F, South Carolina (ECHL)
Kyle Bonis, Sr., F, Norfolk (AHL)
Matthew Kirzinger, Sr., F, St. John's (AHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Kellan Lain, Jr., F, Vancouver (NHL) *
Domenic Monardo, Sr., F, Gwinnett (ECHL)
Nick McParland, Sr., F, Orlando (ECHL)
Buddy Robinson, So., F, Ottawa (NHL) *

MICHIGAN
Jon Merrill, Jr., D, New Jersey (NHL) *
Lindsay Sparks, Sr., F, Fort Wayne (ECHL)
Jacob Trouba, Fr., D, Winnipeg (NHL) *

MICHIGAN STATE
Chris Forfar, Sr., F, Evansville (ECHL)
Matt Grassi, Sr., D, Hamilton (AHL)
Anthony Hayes, Sr., F, Florida (ECHL)
Kevin Walrod, Sr., F, Bakersfield (ECHL)

MICHIGAN TECH
Carl Nielsen, Sr., D, Syracuse (AHL)
Steven Seigo, Sr., D, Abbotsford (AHL)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Jared Coreau, Jr., G, Detroit (NHL) *
Scott Macaulay, Sr., D, Bakersfield (ECHL)

OAKLAND
Dustin Hopfner, Sr., D, Evansville (ECHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Dan DeKeyser, Jr., D, Detroit (NHL) *
Mike Leone, Sr., F, Kalamazoo (ECHL)
Dane Walters, Sr., F, Worcester (AHL)
Luke Witkowski, Sr., D, Tampa Bay (NHL)

* Signed contract with NCAA eligibility remaining

PRO SIGNINGS: 2012 OFFSEASON

The following is a list we will continue to update over the spring and summer months as players from Michigan colleges sign professional contracts.

FERRIS STATE
Chad Billins, Sr., D, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Jordie Johnston, Sr., F, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE
Fred Cassiani, Sr., F, Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)
Kyle Haines, Sr., D, Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)
Kyle Jean, So., F, New York Rangers (NHL)
Zach Trotman, Jr., D, Boston Bruins (NHL)

MICHIGAN
Chris Brown, Jr., F, Phoenix Coyotes (NHL)
Luke Glendening, Sr., F, Providence Bruins/Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
Shawn Hunwick, Sr., G, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Greg Pateryn, Sr., D, Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
David Wohlberg, Sr., F, Albany Devils (AHL)

MICHIGAN STATE
Torey Krug, Jr., D, Boston Bruins (NHL)
Brock Shelgren, Sr., D, Alaska Aces (ECHL)

MICHIGAN TECH
Jordan Baker, Sr., F, Colorado Eagles (ECHL)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Andrew Cherniwchan, Sr., F, Colorado Eagles (ECHL)
Justin Florek, Sr., F, Boston Bruins (NHL)
Tyler Gron, Sr., F, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)

WESTERN MICHIGAN
Derek Roehl, Sr., F, Fort Wayne Komets (CHL)
Greg Squires, Sr., F, Stockton Thunder (ECHL)
Matt Tennyson, Jr., D, San Jose Sharks (NHL)

LSSU's Jean forgoes two seasons, signs with Rangers

Compiled by MiCHO Staff 

Lake Superior State forward Kyle Jean has opted to forgo his final two years of eligibility and signed a professional contract Wednesday with the New York Rangers.

Undrafted by an NHL team, Jean attended the Rangers’ development camp from June 25-29 and scored a goal in all four scrimmages.

Jean recorded 12 goals and 12 assists in 39 games with the Lakers in 2011-12 and during two collegiate seasons, he compiled 13 goals and 38 points.

Photo/LSSU Athletics

Brown bolts Michigan for deal with Coyotes

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Michigan junior forward Chris Brown has decided to forgo his senior season with the Wolverines and sign an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Brown was selected by the Coyotes in the second round (36th overall) of the 2009 NHL draft.

“We are disappointed in Chris’ decision to leave Michigan and not graduate with his class,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said.

Brown, Michigan’s first-ever recruit from Texas (Flower Mound), had 12 goals and 29 points in 38 games this season, including a three-point game (goal, two assists) on Jan. 15 against Ohio State in the Frozen Diamond Faceoff at Progressive Field in Cleveland. He was named All-CCHA honorable mention and recognized for the CCHA play of the year for his goal against Miami on Feb. 4.

“I want to thank the Michigan coaching staff, my teammates and all the fans who have made my three years in Ann Arbor an experience that I will cherish forever,” added Brown. “This was a very difficult decision for me to make, but at the same time, I am excited about this opportunity.”

Brown appeared in 125 career games for the Wolverines, posting 80 points on 34 goals and 46 assists.

Photo/UM Photo Services

Spartans' captain Krug leaves school for Bruins' deal

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State defenseman Torey Krug announced today that he has signed a professional contract with the National Hockey League's defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins.

Krug, a 20-year-old Livonia native, will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

"I couldn't be happier for Torey," said MSU coach Tom Anastos. "He's had an incredible season, an outstanding career at Michigan State and is ready to take the next step in his hockey career. While I know that we will certainly miss his talent and leadership next season, he will be back to complete his degree, and has left a lasting impression on his teammates that will most certainly continue to have a long term impact on our program."

"Torey has had an outstanding collegiate career at Michigan State," said Boston GM Peter Chiarelli. "He is a very intelligent player who is a terrific skater and shooter, but what stands out the most with Torey is his character. He is a two-time captain and a tremendous competitor. We are thrilled to have signed him and look forward to a seeing him contribute to the Bruins."

"This obviously came quickly after our season ended, but it was a really difficult decision to make," said Krug. "I love everything about Michigan State, my teammates, and our hockey program, and it was an outstanding place for me to grow and develop both as a hockey player and a person. It is very hard for me to leave, but I am incredibly thankful for the support shown to me by coach Anastos as I went through this process. I'm very proud to have worn a Michigan State jersey and serve as a captain. It's bittersweet, because we have worked hard to get MSU hockey back where we want it to be, challenging for conference and national championships.

"There are so many people to thank. To all of my teammates, our coaches and staff, the athletic department, and the university - thank you for making my three years as a part of this program such a special time in my life. I will always be a proud Spartan, and will do my best to represent Michigan State University in a way that you will all be proud.

"I would also like to thank the Boston Bruins organization for this tremendous opportunity. Every hockey player has the dream to play in the National Hockey League, and I am excited about my chance to prove myself at the next level."

Krug recently completed a standout season in which he distinguished himself among the top players in college hockey. He is one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given annually to honor the top men's collegiate hockey player in the country.

At the recent CCHA awards show, Krug took home five awards - tying fellow Spartan (and current Edmonton Oiler) Shawn Horcoff for the most all-time in a single season. Krug was voted the league's Player of the Year, and for the second season in a row took home Best Offensive Defenseman honors. He was a unanimous selection to the All-CCHA First Team, and was MSU's Perani Cup winner (most "Three Stars of the Game" distinctions throughout the CCHA season).

In addition, with his game-winning goal in the final game of the regular season at Notre Dame, Krug shared the CCHA scoring title with Irish forward TJ Tynan. Krug became just the second defenseman in CCHA history - and the fifth overall in the college game - to win his league's scoring title.

Krug finished his junior season with a 12-22-34 scoring line, his best offensive season at MSU and his second consecutive season as the top goal-scoring defenseman in the conference. He ranks seventh overall in the conference in scoring, is eighth in assists, and 19th overall in goals. He tied for third in power-play goals (7) and owns the fourth-most game-winning tallies (3) in the CCHA as well. Krug plays in excess of 29 minutes per game, and plays in all situations.

In the last two seasons, Krug compiled 23 goals, (second-most among collegiate defensemen), and 62 points (third-best among Division I blueliners).

In his three-year career, Krug appeared in 114 career games, scoring 26 goals and adding 57 assists for 83 points, the most of any player in his three seasons on the roster. He is a career +7 and had 175 PIMs.

Photo (2011 GLI) by Matt Mackinder/MiCHO

MSU's Krug to hold presser Sunday at noon

Michigan State just sent out the following press release:

*** MEDIA ALERT ***

Michigan State junior hockey player Torey Krug and head coach Tom Anastos will hold a press conference on Sunday, March 25 at 12 noon in the Munn Club at Munn Ice Arena (adjacent to the pressbox).

According to CBS Sports' Tim Wharnsby's Twitter, Krug has signed with the Boston Bruins.

More tomorrow at noon.

Grant leaves Michigan State for Ottawa

Michigan State Press Release

Michigan State sophomore forward Derek Grant has opted to forego his final two seasons of collegiate eligibility and sign a three-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators organization. Terms of the deal were not released.

“This was not an easy decision, but it is the one I felt that was right for me,” said Grant. “I love everything about Michigan State, and I will always be a Spartan. I owe a great deal of thanks to our coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to wear the Green & White. I also need to thank my teammates, who made my experience in East Lansing unforgettable. “

Grant, a fourth-round pick (119th overall) in the 2009 NHL entry draft by the Senators, left campus on Thursday to travel to Norfolk, Va., where he is expected to meet up with the Senators American Hockey League affiliate, Binghamton. The B-Sens play Norfolk on Friday, and at Charlotte on Saturday. Should Grant be in the lineup against Charlotte, he would face off against former Spartan Ethan Graham (2003-07).

Grant was the Spartans’ leading scorer in 2010-11, netting eight goals and a team-best 25 assists for 33 points. He ranked sixth in the CCHA in assists and tied for ninth in overall points. Grant completes his career with 20 goals and 43 assists in 76 career games. He had the most career points of any underclassman on the 2010-11 roster.

Grant was an honorable mention selection to the All-Rookie team in 2010, and received votes in this year’s all-CCHA voting.

Since the completion of the 2006 season, 10 Michigan State players have signed a professional hockey contract before completing their four years of collegiate eligibility. Grant joins former defenseman Mike Ratchuk (2006-08) as the two sophomores to leave after completing two seasons.

Rowe leaves Spartans for Flyers

MSU Press Release

Michigan State junior forward Andrew Rowe has signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

Rowe, an undrafted free agent, just completed his junior season for the Spartans, and will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility.

“It was really a very tough decision to leave,” noted the Spartans’ alternate captain. “Michigan State has been an unbelievable experience for me, and I have to thank (head) coach (Rick) Comley and the rest of the MSU staff for giving me a chance to be here. However, this was an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down, so it’s bittersweet. While I am excited about starting my professional career, I will miss the MSU hockey program, and I will always be a Spartan.”

“We wish Andrew well,” noted Comley. “He has grown tremendously over three seasons, and while I obviously would have loved for him to stay at Michigan State for his senior season, we also understand the tough decisions these juniors have to make. It’s not easy on them, and it’s not easy on us as a program, but, it’s the current state of the game. ”

Rowe spent three seasons in a Michigan State uniform and served as an alternate captain as a junior. He had a breakout offensive season as a junior, scoring 17 goals and totaled 28 points, ranking second on the team in goals and fourth in points. He was also second on the team in plus/minus rating (+11). The speedy winger appeared in 94 career games, with a 26-23- 49 scoring line.