Colgate junior forward Kyle Baun announced Thursday that he will forego his senior season and sign a free-agent, entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
The contract is for two years and he will report to the Blackhawks immediately.
“First off, I would like to thank coach Don Vaughan, Mike Harder, Steve Chouinard and the entire Colgate hockey program for the opportunity they have provided me,” said Baun in a news release. “It is a bittersweet time for me right now. I am thrilled about the exciting challenges ahead, but words cannot describe how much I am going to miss Colgate. The memories, friendships and experiences here will never be forgotten. This place will always have special place in my heart.
“I could not have asked for better teammates over the past three years. They will all be deeply missed and I want to wish them the best of luck moving forward.”
Baun appeared in 113 games during his three years with the Raiders, amassing 39 goals and 40 assists for 79 points.
An ECAC Hockey All-League Third-Team selection in 2014-15, Baun ranked second on the team in scoring as he notched 14 goals and 15 assists in 38 games played. Baun ended the year with a plus-12 rating, tying him with classmate Ryan Johnston for fourth best among Colgate skaters.
The Raiders were nearly unbeatable when Baun found the scoresheet this season, compiling a 17-2-3 mark when the power forward finished with at least one point. Even more impressive, Colgate was 12-0-2 in the 14 games that Baun found the back of the net in 2014-15.
“Kyle is a tremendous individual who has worked extremely hard over the past three years to make both himself and the Colgate hockey program the best they can be,” added Vaughan. “Like most elite hockey players, Kyle has always had the goal of playing in the National Hockey League. At this time, he feels he is ready for the next step in working towards achieving that goal.
“I want to thank Kyle for his three years at Colgate and wish him nothing but the best as he moves onto his professional career. Graduating our student-athletes is of utmost importance and Kyle is committed to making that happen and will receive his Colgate degree in the near future.”
