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What do you think about Hilbert's decision
to go pro?
M.) It's all about the $ B) He's ready
C) Where's the loyalty? D) A year early
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MONDAY 1
JULY 16, 2001 L
Opportunity's knock
Hilbert leaves Michigan to pursue professional career in Boston
By Steve Jackson ing with 26 goals and 38 assists for 64 points. He was also a
Daily Sports Editr finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award in 2001, when
he lead the Wolverines to their first Frozen Four since the
-YS t One word -opportunity. championship season of 1998.
That word is responsible for sending another Michigan Berenson expects Hilbert to be a fine NHL player.
hockey player to the pros early. "He has an NHL shot and a competitive edge that is second
ta On Sunday, center Andy Hilbert told head coach Red Beren- to none," Berenson said.
son that he would forgo his final two seasons with the Wolver- His primary concern, however, will be Hilbert's consistency.
j -ines. "There are nights where he could step up and he would not
"The opportunity is there in Boston," Hilbert said. be out of place in the NHL;' Berenson said. "Now it is
"And that is what I have been working for my entire a matter of, can you do it every night. It is a big
life. The opportunity to play in the NHL - that is adjustment to make but he has all the tools to do
a lifelong dream. It is time for me to move on and it."
take advantage of this opportunity" In each of the last three summers the Wolver-
Hilbert was chosen in the second round with Ines have lost arguably their best player. In
the 37th overall selection by the Boston Bruins, 1999, defenseman Mike Van Ryn departed, and
who Berenson claims have penciled the Howell a year ago forward Mike Comrie followed suit.
native into their line-up for next year. Hilbert talked at length with Comrie before
"They feel like he can make the team," Berenson making his decision.
said. "That is a pretty enticing opportunity. "He said at times he wondered why he made the deci-
"If he thought that he would end up in the minors, I don't sion to leave Michigan," Hilbert said. "He was great to talk to
think he would have made this decision. This was not about the because me and him are good friends, he has been through the
money." situation and he told me the truth."
Hilbert signed a three-year deal on Tuesday. The terms were In the end, Hilbert didn't see himself improving enough at
not disclosed, but Hilbert said that he was happy with them. Michigan to justify passing on this opportunity in Boston.
The Bruins have historically been a low-paying club, but the "One of the decisions I had to make was how much better I
~ recent free-agent signings of Rob Zamuner and Martin was going to get here," Hilbet said. "Playing against guys two
Lapointe may be signaling a change in the organization. years younger than me, I don't know how much better I could
Berenson also pointed out that the Bruins may be shorthand- have gotten playing college hockey."
ed at center, given the possible holdout of Jason Allison. Hilbert will make his first trip to Boston asa professional on
"They don't have very much depth at center throughout their July 16. Once there, he will spend the next week with the Bru-
entire system," Hilbert said. "They see me as a centerman, and ins' strength and conditioning coach.
I see myself as a centerman. Here at Michigan I have played "Obviously the city of Boston is a great city." Hilbert said.
right wing and center to help the team. They can play me "I've there many times before. Obviously, the city embraces
wherever they want to play me." the team. It is just a great sports town period"
MARJORIE MARSHALL/DAILY During his sophomore season, Hilbert led Michigan in scor- See HILBERT, Page 14
Andy Hilbert's future Is no longer maize and blue, but black and gold.
Wild Big Ten race is up for grabs
By J. Brady McColough including all three linebackers, so inex- shots with his entire offensive line intact
Daily Sports Writer perience won't be an excuse for this from last season. The Wildcats have a
year's group. But why talk about tough road schedule with trips to
One hundred thirty-two days left until defense? Northwestern returns one of Columbus, West Lafayette and Cham- s
Michigan hosts Ohio State in Michigan the most explosive offenses in the coun- paign, but have no fear - they'll score
Stadium. First-year Ohio State coach try, thanks to Heisman Trophy candidate just enough to survive.
Jim Tressel knows that - he probably Damien Anderson's decision to return 2) MiCHIGAN: How do you replace
knows the hours, minutes and seconds for his senior season. Quarterback Zak Drew Henson, Anthony Thomas, David
until kickoff as well. Kustok, who runs Walker's spread Terrell and the best offensive line in (1
This season, with the exception of offense to perfection, is still calling the See BIG TEN, Page 14
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