Prized Michigan hockey recruit Jacob Trouba reaffirms his commitment to play in Ann Arbor next season
Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, prized Michigan hockey recruit Jacob Trouba plans to play for the Wolverines next season.
On Tuesday, the Michigan hockey program released a statement, via the team's official Twitter account, reaffirming Trouba's commitment to Red Berenson and Michigan.
"There is absolutely no truth or merit to the recent media reports that the Kitchener Rangers have offered Jacob any remuneration," the program wrote on behalf of the Trouba family. "We have the utmost respect for the Kitchener Rangers and those that choose the (Canadian Hockey League) as an option.
"But Jacob will be attending the University of Michigan next fall as a student athlete."
Trouba, a 6-foot-2, 193-pound defenseman, was selected by the Winnipeg Jets earlier this month with the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft.
On Monday night, the Michigan Daily reported that Trouba had received an offer to play for the Ontario Hockey League's Kitchener Rangers and was "50/50" with regard to where he'd play next season.
The Rangers play in the OHL, which is one of three Canadian major junior hockey leagues comprising the Canadian Hockey League, an organization routinely featuring elite young hockey talent, and one that is considered to be a professional league by the NCAA.
The Daily's report cited a source saying Trouba could be paid roughly $200,000 to play in the OHL next season instead of keeping his amateur status at Michigan.
The Daily's source also said that wherever Trouba ends up next year, he "will spend two years before progressing to the NHL."
Shortly after being drafted earlier this month, Trouba told the Detroit Free Press he fully intended to honor his commitment to Michigan next season -- something the Jets' organization supported.
Trouba played for the Ann Arbor-based United States National Team Development Program last season, netting nine goals and 22 assists in 50 appearances.
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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