While many of the NCAA’s elite can jump right into an NHL contract, and sometimes the NHL itself, the majority must work their way up through the pro ranks. Minor league contracts and amateur tryout (ATO) contracts are common at this time of year and after a number of those deals were signed yesterday, a few more rolled in today:
- From preseason contender to unranked and out in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, it was a season to forget for Notre Dame. However, senior forward Mike O’Leary enjoyed the best campaign of his collegiate career, recording 23 points in 37 games. The two-way winger is now on his way to the AHL, signing a contract with the Hartford Wolf Pack.
- Another four-year starter up front has found a spot in the pros. Brown senior Brent Beaudoin will stay close to home, joining the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. The New Hampshire native recorded 14 points in 31 games to lead all Brown forwards in scoring.
- Perhaps the best team to have already called it a year, Michigan State sent Patrick Khodorenko to the New York Rangers yesterday and today saw fellow seniors Logan Lambdin and Butrus Ghafari head to the ECHL. Lamdin will stay nearby, as he has inked a deal with the Kalamazoo Wings. Meanwhile, Ghafari joins the Toledo Walleye. The Lebanese-American defender was a dominating stay-at-home presence at times this year.
a Lebanese hhockey player? that’s pretty neat.
Ghafari might not go for the traditional Toledo fan chant: “F-U!!! F-U!!! F-U!!!”, whether directed at the stripes or the opposing team. If the Prison Rules Hockey League is still holding to form, though, he’ll get to enjoy 3,4 or even 5X the power plays against his opponents.
I’m not understanding why Mattson is shown on the article photo. Khodorenko or another Michigan State free agent would make sense… or O’Leary.
I’m not understanding why Mattson is shown in the article photo. Khodorenko or another Michigan State free agent would make sense… or O’Leary.
Actually I think that’s a picture of Appleton from a few years ago.