Ed Caron, who requested and was granted a release from the New Hampshire program last month, has decided to transfer to Yale, according to sources.
Yale officials are not allowed to comment until Caron is officially matriculated at the school. That should be sometime next week, after Caron’s semester at UNH ends.
“I’m pretty excited about it,” Caron, a straight ‘A’ student, told the Lowell Sun. “This whole thing was based on environment and I knew right away that this was the place for me.”
Caron, a native son and a second-round NHL draft pick, surprised UNH coaches with the announcement he wanted to leave after his freshman season. He has never indicated why exactly he wanted to leave UNH, but has no ill feelings towards the program or coach Dick Umile.
“He’s such a classy guy. He’s been so supportive and so understanding,” Caron said to the Sun. “I’m leaving UNH with my head up.”
There was speculation he would jump to the pros, but sources say Caron’s intention was always to transfer to another Division I school. He was recently named the Wildcats’ Top Student at the postseason awards banquet.
Caron will must sit out the mandatory one-year waiting period, but will be allowed to practice.
Caron was a fan favorite while playing in 34 of UNH’s 40 games and recording six goals and seven assists for 13 points. He also provided a major physical presence, delivering punishing hits with his 6-foot-3-inch, 220-pound frame. He registered 20 penalties for 51 minutes.
Caron was selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the 52nd pick in the 2001 NHL Draft.
