April 11, 2007
Oshie, Duncan, Chorney Staying Put
CHN Staff Report
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — In a change of pace from all the news about players leaving school, there's a story of players that are staying.
Three of North Dakota's most prized underclassmen have announced they are staying for the junior years — first-round pick T.J. Oshie, second-round pick Taylor Chorney and Hobey Baker Award winner Ryan Duncan. All three are sophomores.
Oshie turned down a three-year deal with the St. Louis Blues, the team that holds his rights, according to the Grand Forks Herald.
"It was hard turning down the money, but that's not the most important thing," Oshie told the Herald. "Being here the last two years they've been the best of my life. I've made a lot of great friendships and our team has a close, family mentality. It would be tough to give that up."
Oshie had 17 goals and 52 points in 43 games this season for the Sioux, which made the Frozen Four, losing in the semifinals.
"St. Louis made this hard because I loved what I saw there," Oshie said to the Herald about his Frozen Four experience. "But they weren't forcing me to go one way or another. They were comfortable with whatever decision I made. I decided the route I want to take and it feels good to know they are going to support me."
