Wednesday, July 2,;1997 --The Michigan Daily 17 Icer Madden -makes deal withd the Devl By Mark Snyder Daily Sports Editor When New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamirello visited Yost Ice Arena in February, he knew what he was looking for. The Devils held the draft rights to three Wolverines -- Brendan Morrison, Mike Legg and Sean Ritchlin -- and Lamirello observed a potential investment. But none of those three players were the first Wolverine to sign with the Devils this offseason. That distinction fell to John Madden, who was not draft- ed by an NHL team. Madden's signing on June 26, while unexepected due to his free-agent status, was certainly justified. At Michigan, Madden played left wing and eenter while etching his name into the NCAA record book. In both his junior and senior seasons, Madden led the nation in shorthanded goals. His knack for scoring with his team short a man established a national repu- tation for Madden and could prove to he his niche in the NIHL. He concluded his career as the NCAA career leader' in shorthanded goals with 23. Madden's proficiency on speeial teams eamned him one of college hock- ey's highest honors -- Hohey Baker finalist. While Morrison was the eventual recipient of the award, Maddenss work- man-like approach didn't allow him to savor the honor of being a finalist, "It's no big deal,' he said at the time. "I haven't got a chance in hell at winning it. It's just a name on a pieee of paper, nothing else.' The Devils didn't agree, and now Madden is the first of Michigan's Class of '97 to enter the pro ranks. FILE PHOT/tady John Madden was not drafted while at Michigan. However, after four years as a Wolverine, the New Jersey Devils made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He was the first Michigan player of the Class of 1997 to sign with an NHL team. INTRAMURAL SPORTS PROGRAM UPCOMING ACTIVITIES SOFTBALL Managers Meeting (Mandatory): Weds 7/2 5:30pm IMSB Instant Scheduling: Wednesday 7/2 5:30pm IMSB (Lobby) Entry Fee: $5000 per learn Play Begins: Tuesday 7/8 at Elbel Field (Hill/Division/Hoover) SAND Managers Meeting (Mandatory): Weds 7/2 6:30pm IMSB VOLLEYBALL Entries Taken: Wednesday 7/2 6:30pm IMSB (Lobby) Entry Fee: $4000 per team Play Begins: Tuesday 7/8 at Elbel Field (Hill/Division/Hoover) 3-on-3 Managers Meeting (Mandatory): Weds 7/2 7:30pm IMSB BASKETBALL Entries Taken: Wednesday 7/2 7:30pm IMSB (Lobby) Entry Fee: $2000 per team Play Begins: Tuesday 7/8 at Elbel Field (Hill/Division/Hoover) The deadline for Tennis (Singles and Doubles) entries is Thursday July 17 while Golf (2-person team scramble) entries are due Wednesday July 30. OFFICIATING OPPORTUNITIES OFFICIALS NEEDED Summer SOFTBALL clinic begins: 7:0Opm Tuesday July 1 at the IMSB._ For Additional Information Contact: Intramural Sports Program IMSBI 606 E. Hoover 763-3562 http://www.recsportsumich.eIdu