Notre Dame junior forward Riley Sheahan, the Detroit Red Wings’ top pick in the 2010 NHL draft, is on the verge of turning pro, according to mlive.com.
Sheahan has left school and signed an amateur tryout contract with the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins and is expected to join the Griffins for Thursday’s game in San Antonio.
In the meantime, he continues contract negotiations with the Red Wings.
“I withdrew from Notre Dame,” Sheahan said in the story. “It was a great ride. I had a lot of fun. It was just time to make a decision to move on. Hockey is what I want to do with my life. I think this is the best step. I had a great time, great coach.
“It was really hard. I made so many good friendships there. I had a good relationship with the coaching staff. Everyone was real supportive of my decision. It was tough but at the same time everyone was understanding.”
Sheahan, the 21st overall pick in the 2010 draft, had nine goals and 16 assists in 37 games for the Fighting Irish this season.
