The UNH Wildcats were handed a bit of bad news todoay when they found out that their super star forward James van Riemsdyke will forgo his college eligibility to play for the Philadelphia Flyer's. Based on his play and his WJC tourney no one should be surprised. I expect JVR to make an immediate impact in the NHL.
DURHAM – Going, going, gone.
Sophomore center James van Riemsdyk informed University of New Hampshire hockey coach Dick Umile Wednesday morning that he had signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, ending the tenure of one of the highest-profile recruits to ever wear a UNH uniform.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Van Riemsdyk returned home to New Jersey on Tuesday and finalized plans with his parents and family advisor, Umile said, adding that it was no surprise.
“I think we all knew there was a good possibility it was going to happen, but nothing’s official until it happens,” said Umile, who called van Riemsdyk a “joy to coach” and said he supports his decision to turn pro.
The No. 2 overall pick by the Flyers in the 2007 NHL draft, van Riemsdyk upset some people in Philly by returning to UNH for his sophomore season.
The Wildcats’ season ended Sunday, one step short of the Frozen Four, when they were nipped by top-ranked Boston University, 2-1, in the Northeast Regional final in Manchester. They finished 20-13-5.
Van Riemsdyk issued a statement through UNH Wednesday that read, in part: “It has been my lifelong dream to one day play in the NHL. … UNH has played a crucial role in preparing me for this important next step in my hockey career and I shall be forever grateful. I fully intend to complete my academic obligations for the current second semester.”
