Silverman to Turn Pro
This morning's Bangor Daily News reports that Maine captain
Andy Silverman has reached a verbal agreement to sign with
the New York Rangers, who drafted him in the 9th round in
1990.
 
Silverman will pass up his senior year at Maine to sign a
multi-year contract with a signing bonus of "about" $100,000.
The contract also contains a financial incentive for Silverman
to finish his work toward his degree.
 
The 21 year old Silverman is 6-3 and weighs 210 pounds.  He
was named Best Defensive Player on the 93-94 Black Bear
team. He registered 3 assists in 35 games as a junior, finishing
with a -5 plus/minus rating.  (It should be noted that he was +58
for his career.)  Silverman also led the team in #004#penalty minutes
last season, by a wide margin, with 80.
 
Coach Shawn Walsh acknowledged that the Black Bears will
miss Silverman, citing the Beverly, MA native's "toughness
and physical presence".
 
Silverman's departure leaves the '94-'95 Black Bears with
veteran defensemen Chris Imes, Jason Mansoff, Dave MacIsaac,
Jacque Rodrigue, Leo Wlasow and Jason Dekker.  Jeff Tory is
expected to be a major contributor, after sitting out all but 3
games last season because of academic ineligibility.  Newcomers
Jeff Foster and Brian White should also battle for playing time.