It's official Stoa signs.

The silly season is upon us. This is the time of the year when college hockey fans have to sit on pins and needles hoping that their favorite player doesn't sign a professional contract and leave their favorite college hockey team. It's now official Stoa signed with the AV's. I suppose Brett Hextall won't have to worry about Stoa cross checking him in the back of the head anymore.

Ryan Stoa, who led the Gophers in scoring this season, has given up his final year of eligibility to sign with the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.

"When the year began I knew this was a possibility if he had a good season," Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. "He was ready physically and mentally for the pros."

Stoa, 6-3, 217 pounds, led the WCHA in scoring in conference games and was the team's captain. He had 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points in WCHA play, and 24 goals and 22 assists overall.
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"You don't replace a guy like Ryan Stoa," said Lucia, whose team's streak of eight consecutive trips of NCAA tournament appearances was snapped this year. "Other players will have to step up and improve their play. There is no reason somebody can't go from eight to 12 goals or from five to 10. We will do it by committee. We should have a pretty balanced team next season."

Here is the latest count. While Bachman isn't official yet I can't see him turning down the money.
Early departures in the WCHA (6)

Alaska-Anchorage (1)
Paul Crowder, jr, forward

Colorado College (1)
Brian Connelly, jr, defenseman
Richard Bachman So, goalie

Minnesota (1)
Ryan Stoa, jr, forward

MSU-Mankato (1)
Trevor Bruess, jr, forward

Wisconsin (1)
Jamie McBain, jr, defenseman