November 23, 2009
Czarnik Jumps Ship to Major Junior
Michigan Forward Staying In School
CHN Staff Report
Michigan sophomore Robbie Czarnik has quit the team so he could sign with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League.
The 19-year old Czarnik, a Michigan native, was a third-round NHL Draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 2008. He said he is staying in school and will continue to take classes.
In 12 games this season, Czarnik has three goals and three assists. He had five goals and 16 points in 37 games last season.
"I wasn't happy there and want to be happy again," Czarnik told the Detroit Free Press. "I don't think I got as much better as I should have."
Michigan coach Red Berenson could not be reached for comment.
Michigan broke a five-game losing streak Saturday, defeating Bowling Green to go to 5-7. But Czarnik told the Free Press that his decision was not because of the team's tough start.
"We could have been 10-2, and I would have had the same feelings," he told the paper. "It was strictly on how I feel.
The Whalers expect him to play his first game tomorrow, and be on one of their top two lines.
Live From YostNov 24 2009, 12:08 am
Robbie has hardly lived up to his billing. Rumor has it his grades were not what they should be, thus he jumps to the OHL. His numbers were stellar while at Michigan (sarcasm) so he will be sorely missed. It sounds like he's been hanging out with Justin Boren again. "There's just no family environment and they won't pamper me." The fact of the matter is there are too many individual superstars on this Michigan team. So many with egos that require feeding daily. Robbie couldn't play the team game and it showed in the win column. Have fun in the OHL Robbie - we won't miss your poor attitude and individuality. Oh and PS - great numbers!
espnclassicNov 24 2009, 4:40 pm
Sometimes it takes a little pressure to find out what you’re made of. Most guys that leave early and make an impact at other levels have better numbers for sure. What's a degree from UM worth? Where do most of the Whalers take their "classes”? Some guys are happier with the big fish small pond thing. It's not easy capturing your share of fish food when there's a dozen big fish. It’s much easier to find short term happiness being one of the stars every other night on a smaller pond. Best wishes Czarnik
ZkczykDec 8 2009, 6:45 am
The wheels have started falling off the Wolverine wagon. Czarnik is simply the latest to realize it. And you can add Jack Campbell to the list, even though he was never officially a recruit. Maybe it's time for Red to call it quits. Is Dick Rod available?
goblueboyDec 17 2009, 8:48 pm
Live From Yost, One or two or three things; 1 - you are a player riding the pine disgruntled by your own lack of ambition. 2 - one of the many wannabe "geek students" wishing your weren't a "reg" 3 - a sorry Red Berensen "ole timer " groupie hanging on to archaic philosophies of coaches like Paterno and Bowden. Red - Give it up, you have obviously have lost your team and can't connect with your players. Not your fault though. You ran your course in admirable fashion. Don't blame Czarnik, it's just somebody elses team to coach. After all coach, weren't you an aspiring NHL player once????
Comment on this Article
