Michigan Hockey: Pacioretty gone

from MGoBlue
http://www.mgoblue.com/ice-hockey/article.aspx?id=141426

MONTREAL, Quebec -- Forward Max Pacioretty (New Canaan, Conn.) of the University of Michigan ice hockey team has signed a three-year contract with the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens (Thursday, July 17), foregoing his final three seasons of eligibility at U-M. Pacioretty was a first-round draft pick (22nd overall) of the Canadiens in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft."We’re certainly disappointed that Max Pacioretty has chosen to forego his eligibility at the University of Michigan at this time," said associate head coach Mel Pearson. "Max was a positive force on our team last season. We would like to wish him well in his pursuit of his dream to play in the National Hockey League."

During his lone season at Michigan, Pacioretty was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year and earned National Rookie of the Year honorable mention from the Hockey Commissioners’ Association. The 6-2, 203-pound left wing posted 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points to rank fourth on U-M’s roster in scoring in 2007-08. His 39 points also ranked fifth nationally among his fellow freshmen.

Pacioretty played the entire season on U-M’s number-one line alongside Hobey Baker Award winner Kevin Porter and All-American Chad Kolarik; the Wolverine trio made up the highest scoring line in the country in 2007-08. Pacioretty finished the season with a +31 plus/minus rating and had 59 penalty minutes. He tallied nine power-play goals and three game-winners.
Internationally, Pacioretty played for Team USA at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation’s 2008 World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic. He did not record a point as the Americans finished fourth in the tournament.

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from Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/SPORTS0201/807180418/1131/SPORTS0201

U-M player signs with NHL's Canadiens

Detroit News wire services

MONTREAL -- University of Michigan forward Max Pacioretty is ready to take a shot at the NHL.

Pacioretty, 19, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

A former first-round pick, Pacioretty had 15 goals and 39 points in 37 games for the Wolverines as a freshman. He also represented the U.S. at the world junior championships in Prague.