DENVER - University of Denver sophomore defenseman Patrick Wiercioch (Maple Ridge, British Columbia) has decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility after signing a professional contract with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League, Senators General Manager Bryan Murray announced today. Terms of Wiercioch's three-year entry level contract were not disclosed.

"We would like to congratulate Patrick and his family on his decision to turn pro," DU head coach George Gwozdecky said. "We were fortunate to have Patrick join our program when David Carle was forced to retire from hockey. Since early in his freshman year, Patrick became a dynamic offensive player for us as well as an outstanding student. We wish Patrick continued success at the next level."

Wiercioch, who was drafted 42nd overall by Ottawa in 2008, finished his DU career with 62 points on 18 goals and 44 assists in 75 games. He was named to the All-WCHA first team this season after tying for second in defenseman scoring with 20 points on four goals and 16 assists for the WCHA regular-season champion Pioneers (27-10-4). Wiercioch added two power-play goals and quarterbacked DU's power-play to a 20.1 percentage. Wiercioch led DU blueliners with a +11 plus/minus rating. Wiercioch was also named a WCHA Scholar-Athlete (3.5 GPA or higher) and was a member of the All-WCHA Academic team.

"I would like to thank the Denver coaches, support staff and professors for an amazing two-year experience at Denver," Wiercioch said.

As a freshman in 2008-09, Wiercioch earned All-WCHA second team and All-WCHA rookie team accolades after recording 35 points on 12 goals and 23 assists in 36 games. Wiercioch led all NCAA rookie blueliners in goals and ranked second among NCAA blueliners with .97 points per game in 2008-09.

Wiercioch is the second-highest NHL draft selection during Gwozdecky's 16-year tenure. Wiercioch joins Joe Colborne (2010), Tyler Bozak (2009), Chris Butler (2008), Brock Trotter (2008), Geoff Paukovich (2007), Ryan Dingle (2007), Paul Stastny (2006), Matt Carle (2006) and Brett Skinner (2005) as Pioneers who left early to turn pro since 2005. Bozak, Butler, Carle and Stastny are currently playing in the NHL.

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