Senators Roster Update: Sens pick opts to turn pro
August 28, 2004

Posted by: Bob Howard
Credit: Ottawa Sun.com

Sens pick opts to turn pro

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - Brandon Bochenski, the most prolific scorer for the University of North Dakota Sioux the past two years and a 2001 draft pick of the Ottawa Senators, is turning pro, Sioux coach Dave Hakstol says.

"He's informed us that he won't be back to school," Hakstol said. Bochenski did not immediately return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment. The All-America winger and finalist last season for the Hobey Baker award given to U.S. college hockey's top player, said earlier this month he had laid out his terms and was waiting to hear back from the Senators.

Senators spokesman Phil Legault said the club had no signing to announce regarding Bochenski.

The native of Blaine, Minn., scored 79 goals in 120 career games over two seasons with the Sioux.

"With the success he's had in college, I think that can carry through and that he'll be successful in the pros," Hakstol said.

Last spring, North Dakata lost its other first-team All-America player when sophomore Zach Parise signed with the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

Together, Bochenski and Parise scored 50 of the Sioux's 182 goals last season.

"We're losing two of the premier offensive players in the country," Hakstol said. "But you can also look at it as creating an opportunity for someone else to step up."

The Sioux begin training Friday and open their season Oct. 2 with an exhibition game against the University of Manitoba.