Standout University of Denver goalie Marc Cheverie, the WCHA player of the year, on Thursday signed a contract with the NHL’s Florida Panthers. He will skip his final year of eligibility with DU.
Cheverie is the third Pioneers player from this season’s roster to leave the team early for a pro contract. Two sophomores, defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, who signed with the Ottawa Senators, and forward Joe Colborne, who went with the Boston Bruins, left the team last week.
“Marc established himself as the best goaltender in college hockey this season and is ready for professional hockey,” DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. “He was our most valuable player the past two seasons and is one of the most competitive players I’ve coached.”
Cheverie plans to graduate with a finance degree in June, Gwozdecky said.
Cheverie went 24-6-3 with a 2.08 goals against average, .932 saves percentage and six shutouts this season, leading DU to a 12th WCHA regular-season title.
“He is very talented prospect who we believe will have a bright future in our organization,” Panthers general manager Randy Sexton said.
LEAVING EARLY
Goalie Marc Cheverie is the 15th DU player since 2000 to leave for NHL contracts or major-junior deals before their senior years. The list:
F Mark Rycroft
Undrafted free agent
Signed: With St. Louis Blues in 2000 after junior year.
F Matt Pettinger
Drafted: Washington (43rd overall in 2000)
Signed: With WHL in 2001 midway through sophomore year.
D Brett Skinner
Drafted: Vancouver (68th 2002)
Signed: With Canucks in 2005 after junior year.
D Matt Carle
Drafted: San Jose (47th 2003)
Signed: With Sharks in 2006 after junior year.
F Paul Stastny
Drafted: Colorado (44th 2005)
Signed: With Avalanche in 2006 after sophomore year.
F Geoff Paukovich
Drafted: Edmonton (57th 2004)
Signed: With Oilers in 2006 after junior year.
D T.J. Fast
Drafted: Los Angeles (60th 2005)
Signed: With WHL in 2006 midway through sophomore year.
D Keith Seabrook
Drafted: Washington (52nd 2006)
Signed: With WHL in 2007 after freshman year.
F Ryan Dingle
Undrafted free agent
Signed: With Anaheim in 2007 after junior year.
F Brock Trotter
Undrafted free agent
Signed: With Montreal in 2008 midway through sophomore year.
D Chris Butler
Drafted: Buffalo (96th 2005)
Signed: With Sabres in 2008 after junior year.
F Tyler Bozak
Undrafted free agent
Signed: With Toronto in 2009 after sophomore year.
F Joe Colborne
Drafted: Boston (16th 2008)
Signed: With Bruins Tuesday after sophomore year.
D Patrick Weircioch
Drafted: Ottawa (42nd 2008)
Signed: With Senators last week after sophomore year.
G Marc Cheverie
Drafted: Florida (193rd 2006)
Signed: With Panthers this week after junior year.
