Excerpts from a short article in the Star Tribune:
 
 Junior defenseman Tom Pederson said Wednesday he has decided to pass up his
 remaining eligibility and leave the Gophers.
 
 Pederson, who played for Team USA in the Goodwill Games last summer, said his
 decision came about because he hopes to play for the U.S. in the upcoming
 World Tournament, a steppingstone to next year's U.S. Olympic team.
 
 "My grades aren't too good right now, either," Pederson said. "That probably
 makes it more important to me not to miss school. But I guess I'm ready to be
 just a hockey player...If I don't make it with the Olympic team, I guess I'll
 try to sign a pro contract."
 
 Pederson was drafted by the North Stars, but his rights will be decided in the
 player-dispersion settlement between the expansion San Jose Sharks and the
 Stars.
 
 Pederson's departure will leave a big hole in the Gopher defense next season.
 
 Carol White
 U of M
 GO Gophers!!!