June 1, 2008
Kennedy is Third Spartan to Leave Early
CHN Staff Report
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State junior Tim Kennedy has decided to forego his final season of collegiate eligibility and sign a professional contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
"I've loved everything about Michigan State and its hockey program — it has been the best three years of my life," said Kennedy. "I will miss everything about it, but I thought it was in my best interest to start my pro career at this time. I'd like to thank the coaching staff for recruiting me and bringing me to Michigan State and allowing me to be s Spartan."
Kennedy, a Buffalo, N.Y., native was acquired by the Sabres in a draft-day trade in 2005. Kennedy was selected by Washington in the sixth round that year.
"We certainly wish Tim Kennedy the best, and thank him for what he has contributed to the program," said MSU head coach Rick Comley in a statement. "He has been such an important part of our success over the last three seasons, and helped bring a National Championship to Michigan State. The reality is that players of Tim's caliber rarely spend four years in school — and while we would have loved to have him back in Green and White, we are confident that he will have a very good professional career."
Kennedy appeared in 113 games for the Spartans, scoring 42 goals and 63 assists for 105 points. He led the Spartans in scoring in each of his last two seasons, and missed 16 games with a hand injury early in his freshman season. This past season, he tied his career best with 43 points in 42 games.
Kennedy was named a Second-Team All-CCHA selection. He served as an alternate captain in his junior season, and would have again in 2008-09 had he returned to school.
In the Spartans' 2006-07 NCAA championship season, the 22-year-old Kennedy was named to the All-Tournament Team at both the Midwest Regional in Grand Rapids and the 2007 Frozen Four. He scored the game-tying goal midway through the third period against Boston College in the National Championship game, and assisted on Justin Abdelkader's game-winning goal.
Buffalo has also signed two other college players who had eligibility remaining: Nathan Gerbe of Boston College and Chris Butler of Denver.
"We are thrilled to have a player of Tim's caliber join the Sabres organization," said Buffalo Sabres general manager Regier. "After three years at Michigan State, we believe this local product is ready to make the move to the professional level."
Kennedy is the third Spartan to leave school with eligibility remaining this season: sophomore Michael Ratchuk signed with the Philadelphia Flyers organization in April, while Kennedy's linemate Justin Abdelkader signed with the Detroit Red Wings four days after the completion of the 2007-08 MSU season. He continues to practice and travel with the Wings during their Stanley Cup Playoff run.
Nice to see a realistic Comley talk about how tough it is to keep these guys in school for 4 years. A lot different than what you usually hear from Berenson under similar circumstances.
Jun 2 2008, 10:05 am by Matty (Maine)
He can join all the other sabres on Chippawa st after the games
Jun 4 2008, 5:36 pm by
