Western Michigan goaltender Marc Magliarditi and Maine forward Jamie Thompson have both recently decided to leave their college teams.
Magliarditi, CCHA 1996 Rookie of the Year, has decided to go to Spokane, Wash., to play for the Chiefs of the Western Hockey League.
“It leaves a big hole to fill,” said Western Michigan coach Bill Wilkinson to USA Today. “But one person’s misery is another person’s opportunity.”
Magliarditi posted a 23-11-2 record for Western Michigan with a 2.59 goals against average and a sparkling .910 save percentage. Magliarditi was a key player in Western Michigan finishing tied for third in the CCHA.
Thompson will leave a troubled career behind at Maine. Following the end of last season, Thompson withdrew from school at Maine and began seeking a pro job, according to Tuesday’s Bangor Daily News.
This marks the second time Thompson has left the team. Following the 1992-93 season, Thompson left to go play junior hockey. When he returned, he had trouble with both school and substance abuse and did not play the first semester of last season. After cleaning up and improving his grades, Thompson had two goals and nine assists in helping the Black Bears to the Hockey East Championship game.
Maine interim head coach Greg Cronin said he was disappointed to lose Thompson after all he did to be able to play, but Cronin concedes that all Thompson wanted to do was play hockey and wasn’t really interested in school. Cronin says this will open the door for Maine recruits Cory Larose and Ben Guite.
