Connecticut sophomore Schneider inks deal with NHL’s Senators

Connecticut sophomore forward Cole Schneider has signed a professional two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators and will begin his career in the American Hockey League with the Binghamton Senators.

“It’s really hard to leave the guys on the team, but in the end, I had to do what’s best for me,” Schneider said in a UConn news release. “Growing up, you dream of playing pro hockey and now I get to live that dream.

“The coaches really worked me hard this year. They got after me more and helped me improve what I needed to improve defensively. They helped me out with my all-around game, really. The coaches were a huge part of this. Coming to UConn, I never would have thought this was possible after two years, but they really helped me, probably more than they know.”

Schneider leaves the college hockey ranks after setting the UConn Division I points and goal-scoring records this past year with 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points. After two seasons, Schneider recorded more points (78) than any sophomore in Huskies’ Division I history (since 1998).

As a freshman, Schneider set the UConn Division I freshman records with 33 points and 20 assists and was named to the AHA All-Rookie Team.