Michigan junior forward Chris Brown has decided to forgo his senior season with the Wolverines and sign an entry-level contract with the Phoenix Coyotes.
Brown was selected by the Coyotes in the second round (36th overall) of the 2009 NHL draft.
“We are disappointed in Chris’ decision to leave Michigan and not graduate with his class,” Michigan coach Red Berenson said in a statement.
Brown, Michigan’s first-ever recruit from Texas (Flower Mound), had 12 goals and 29 points in 38 games this season, including a three-point game (goal, two assists) on Jan. 15 against Ohio State in the Frozen Diamond Faceoff at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. He was named All-CCHA honorable mention and recognized for the CCHA play of the year for his goal against Miami on Feb. 4.
“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,” added Brown. “This was a very difficult decision for me to make, but at the same time, I am excited about this opportunity.”
Brown appeared in 125 career games for the Wolverines, posting 80 points on 34 goals and 46 assists.
