Werenski Inks Pro Contract with AHL's Lake Erie Monsters
3/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
March 29, 2016
ANN ARBOR. Mich. -- University of Michigan ice hockey sophomore defenseman Zach Werenski has signed an American Hockey League amateur tryout contract with Cleveland's Lake Erie Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced today (Tuesday, March 29).
"It's exciting, I've worked for this for a long time and now that time is finally here," Werenski said. "I'm extremely grateful for the chance to play at Michigan and without my experience here I don't think I'd be the player I am today."
Werenski, a native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, had a career year with the Wolverines in 2015-16, recording 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 36 games. He leaves Michigan with 61 points (20 goals, 41 assists) in 71 games after emerging as a top freshman in 2014-15. As the youngest player in college hockey last season, Werenski notched 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 35 games, and earned All-Big Ten first team and All-Freshman team honors.
"Before I arrived at Michigan, Coach Berenson told me and my dad that coming here would be the best decision I ever made and I agree with him," Werenski said. "It was hands down the best decision I ever made."
This season, Werenski led all Big Ten defensemen in scoring and was second in the nation among blueliners in points. Named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-Big Ten selection, Werenski was at his best in Michigan's biggest games at the end of the season, finishing the year with a seven-game point scoring streak (4G, 10A). He was named to the NCAA Midwest All-Region team after notching the game-tying goal in a 3-2 (OT) win against Notre Dame last Friday (March 25) and recording an assist against North Dakota on Saturday (March 26). He also served as captain of bronze medal-winning Team USA at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships, tallying 2-7-9 in seven games and earning the Directorate Award as the tournament's top defenseman.
"The main thing I'm going to remember is how great it was and how well treated we were at Michigan," Werenski said. "This school, the education, the people here, it was such a great opportunity. It's hard talking about it because you don't want it to be over but it was such a great experience. It's probably going to be at the top of my list of my hockey experiences so far. I'll leave with all positives in my mind."
Communications Contact: Jeffrey Weinstein
