The Wolverine

May 2012

The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports

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MICHIGAN HOCKEY Chris Brown Foregoes His Senior Season portunity to realize that with Phoe- nix, so I'm jumping at it. "I know I'm ready, they think I'm ready. The biggest thing for me was timing and the opportunity to go for it." Coyotes in the 2009 NHL Draft (the No. 36 overall pick), Brown was an in- stant contributor with the Maize and Blue, scoring 13 goals with 15 assists en route to CCHA All-Rookie Team honors in 2010. He slumped some as a sophomore, notching just nine goals, but rebounded this past season, becoming an important forward on U-M's second line, with 12 markers and 17 assists in earning CCHA hon- orable mention distinction. Michigan head coach Red Beren- A second-round selection of the son said he was disappointed with Brown's decision not to graduate with his class. "Coach didn't think this was the right move for me, but he also said whatever decision I made he'd give me his blessing and wish me luck," said Brown, about a meeting that took place before his decision. "I'm going to miss Michigan. I'm going to miss the student section, the band, the greatest college hockey atmosphere. I'm going to miss all those things, but timing is the key word. I feel like it's my time. There will be things I miss, but it's time for a new chapter in my life. "I have a really good shot of mak- ing the Coyotes team next year. That's something my family and I talked about with other people, and with that advice from some respected people it's pretty hard not to go for that opportunity and try to fulfill that dream." Brown, who was a second-round pick of the Phoenix Coyoyes in 2009, compiled 12 goals and 17 assists en route to All-CCHA honorable mention honors in 2011-12. C one day wear the maize and blue and don the winged helmet. For three seasons, he fulfilled his dream, but as his third year at Michigan came to its conclusion, he began thinking strongly about another childhood ambition — to skate in the NHL one day. Approached by the Phoenix Coy- hris Brown's dream growing up in Flower Mound, Texas, was to otes a few days after the Wolverines' season ended March 23, Brown was 64 THE WOLVERINE MAY 2012 PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN afforded the option to return for his senior year or go to training camp with the Coyotes next fall, told he has a shot to make the team. The 6-2, 194-pounder chose the latter, signing with Phoenix March 29 and voiding his final season of eligibility. "It was a really difficult decision," Brown said. "The pros and cons list was probably 100 deep on both sides. The thing that outweighed every- thing is it's my dream that I've had since I was a little kid. I have the op- eligibility, seniors David Wohlberg, Greg Pateryn, Shawn Hunwick and Luke Glendening sought and received professional opportunities after the season ended. Wohlberg signed an amateur-tryout Having exhausted their college DEPARTING SENIORS INK PRO HOCKEY DEALS deal with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League March 26, appearing in six of their final nine regular-season games through April 15, scoring a single goal. The 6-1, 203-pound forward was a sixth- round selection of the New Jersey Devils in 2008.

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