Chris Brown going to Phoenix

[SportsFromA2]

Michigan forward Chris Brown has decided to forgo his senior season and sign an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes. Brown was selected by the Coyotes in the second round (No. 36 overall) in the 2009 NHL draft.

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," Brown said in a released statement. "This was a very difficult decision for me to make, but at the same time, I am excited about this opportunity.”

The 6-2, 207-pound forward scored 29 points (12 goals, 17 assists) in 38 games for the Wolverines this season. He tied for second on the team in assists, was fourth in goals and fifth in points.

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

http://www.freep.com/article/2012032...44/1048/sports

[General283]

What's Red's comment all about? He not get along with this kid or something?

[LionSB06]

Yeah those comments look terrible.

[SportsFromA2]

On Monday Berenson said he thought the senior year was essential to players for a multitude of reasons.

"Playing your senior year, look what it did for Steven Kampfer, look what it did for Matt Hunwick, look what it did for Carl Hagelin. I mean these guys are good examples of doing the right thing and how they grew in their senior year in that leadership role," Berenson said. "What about graduation? Why did you come to school to start with? Was it just to play hockey? If you did, you came to the wrong place. We graduate players here."

Brown said the decision didn't weigh on him during the season stating "when I was wearing that Michigan jersey, I was focused on Michigan." He said it was very difficult for him to tell Berenson he would not be returning.

"It was very hard to tell a man that gave me an an opportunity for a great education that I'd be leaving early," said Brown. "Obviously, he’s going to be disappointed, he’s got a team to look out for, but at the same time he gave me his blessing, he shook my hand and wished me good luck which meant a lot."

Brown said he will finish the semester before likely reporting to Portland for the remainder of the AHL season. He will join the Coyotes at training camp over the summer.

Brown is the fourth Michigan player this week to turn pro.

David Wohlberg signed an amateur tryout contract (ATO) to play with the Albany Devils on Monday, with the expectation that he will sign with the New Jersey Devils over the summer. Greg Pateryn signed a two-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday and Shawn Hunwick signed an ATO with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday, before eventually signing a deal for the remainder of the season.

Brown is the only underclassmen of the four.

http://www.annarbor.com/sports/now-e...SS_link_sports

[General283]

So Red expects all his kids to play 4 years and graduate? What planet does he live on?

[TG7782]

He doesn't like players leaving early, this is not anything new, he's said the same thing about almost every guy who has left early for years.

[JDC48160]

So Red expects all his kids to play 4 years and graduate? What planet does he live on?

Red is as old school as old school gets.

You've gotta remember where he came from. He could have gone right into the Montreal Canadiens organization out of high school, but he wanted to play college hockey and get his education. That's why he came to Michigan. The Canadiens tried to get him to come play for them and go to school at McGill University at the same time, but he didn't want to do that.

That's just Red being Red.

Hockey is one of the few sports where the vast majority of guys still play all 4 years and graduate from college. You still get some who will leave early.

I know for a fact, that at Michigan, if a kid isn't ready, Berenson will tell them so. That man does not sugarcoat things for his guys, and that's one of the things that garners him respect from his players. I've heard MANY of his players refer to him as a father figure to them, you don't hear that much in major college sports anymore.

Michigan will reload like they always do and the program will continue to be a powerhouse.

[General283]

It's pretty simple: Red was being a d***. He should've just said "We wish him luck in the NHL" or something to that effect. He's not his dad that, he doesn't get a say in what CB does with his life. Acting like he owes it to his teammates by saying that he will not "graduate with his class" is complete horsesh!t.

Does he say this about all guys that leave early?

[Kansas City Joey]

He made comments about Wohlberg leaving before the banquet, as a senior who stayed for 4 years.

Its just his thing... take it for what it is.