July 28, 2009
Forney Will Not Return to North Dakota
CHN Staff Report
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — North Dakota junior-to-be Michael Forney, who played last season in the USHL, decided to sign a pro deal instead of return to the school. He signed a multiyear, two-way contract with the Atlanta Thrashers, giving up his final two years of eligibility.
Forney was highly recruited, and was a third-round draft pick of Atlanta in 2006. His college career was saddled with injuries, however, including a separated shoulder before his freshman season even started. After playing 16 games as a freshman, Forney played just three during his sophomore season. Afterward, he decided to leave North Dakota to get his game back in the USHL, where played for Green Bay.
Forney had 26 goals and 60 points in 59 games with Green Bay. This summer, he went back and forth with his decision over whether to return to North Dakota, or sign a pro deal, ultimately making the final decision Monday.
