Comrie considers leaving

By Arun Gopal

Daily Sports Editor

Ever since the Michigan hockey team concluded the 1999-2000 season with a quarterfinal loss to Maine in the NCAA Tournament, fans have pointed towards the upcoming year as a possible championship season for the Wolverines.

It was assumed that last season's talented but youthful squad would return most of its' key players.

But, the Wolverines' visions of grandeur might take a huge hit, with the news that junior forward Mike Comrie - who was a Hobey Baker Award finalist last year - is considering leaving school early to play major junior hockey. If Comrie does leave, the Edmonton Oilers - who drafted Comrie - would have a year to sign him, after which time Comrie would become a free agent.

"I'm disappointed he's considering it," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "I haven't talked to him yet, so I don't know how he's feeling. But, since the Van Ryn decision, a lot of players realize it's an option."

Berenson is referring to the saga of Mike Van Ryn, a former Michigan defenseman who left school last summer to play junior hockey. Van Ryn was motivated by a desire to get away from the New Jersey Devils, who have a history of underpaying draft picks.

The strategy paid off for Van Ryn, who became a free agent and signed with the St. Louis Blues for the maximum allowable amount, but Berenson isn't convinced that Van Ryn would recommend a similar path for Comrie.

"I know Comrie talked to Van Ryn, and I'm pretty certain Van Ryn would tell him not to do it," Berenson said. "Comrie was drafted by his hometown team, which also owns the rights to his brother. It doesn't make sense."

KIMITSU YOGACHI/Daily

Mike Comrie may never wear the Michigan sweater again, if he leaves school.