Denver sophomore forward Beau Bennett has decided to forgo his final two years of NCAA eligibility after signing a three-year contract Friday with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bennett, drafted in the first round (20th overall) by Pittsburgh in 2010, finishes his DU career with 38 points in 47 games. Bennett tallied 13 points in 10 games this past season before missing 33 games with a wrist injury.
“We are happy for Beau that he is realizing his life-long dream to become a professional hockey player,” Denver coach George Gwozdecky said in a statement. “Beau is big-time talent who would have put up big numbers for us last season if it wasn’t for his injury. We wish Beau continued success and hope to see him in the NHL soon.”
Bennett is the third Denver underclassman to depart early this offseason, joining sophomore forward Jason Zucker (Minnesota Wild) and junior forward Drew Shore (Florida Panthers).
