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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Dalpe still committed to OSU


Just a quick follow up post for those hockey fans out there following this Zac Dalpe situation.

If you recall Dalpe is OSU's highly touted recruit that went in the 2nd round of this year's draft (many had him projected as a 1st round pick). The problem is that he was drafted by Carolina and the 'canes owner, Peter Karmonos, also owns the OHL's Plymouth Whalers who also coincidentally own Dalpe's junior rights. So one would figure that Dalpe would be pressured to play for the Whalers.

Not so fast..... here is the latest blog update from Carolina News & Observer:

The Canes won't have their second-round draft pick, forward Zac Dalpe, at training camp next month.

Dalpe informed the team Monday that he has decided to attend Ohio State this year, Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said today. Rutherford said Dalpe was offered a contract.

"I guess he can revisit it next year," Rutherford said. "We'll see how he plays next year and we'll revisit it.

"This does not change our position on drafting him or his future with us. Our staff was excited and surprised to get him in the second round. Hopefully, they were right."

Dalpe, the 45th overall pick of the 2008 NHL draft, was at the Canes' prospect camp this summer and impressed with his hustle and attitude. He had 27 goals and 36 assists in 46 games last season with Penticton (BCHL).

That news has to have Buckeye's head coach John Markell breathing a little easier as they could most certainly use the talent influx to a team that finished 2nd to last place in the CCHA last season.

Keep in mind though that should Dalpe struggle out of the gate he can leave college at any time and sign a pro contract with the Hurricanes and play in major junior.

Ohio State kicks off their season at home October 10th vs. Miami.

-LTL

2 comments:

BZArcher said...

Good for him. It's nice to see him standing up for his character and commitment rather than bowing to the Hurricanes' pressure.

Mattlund said...

I was just thinking about this the other day.

Thanks for update.