Montoya to return to Michigan

[Motown Beatdown]

http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/metro26e_20040726.htm

Good news for Michigan fans.

Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson announced Sunday that Montoya has decided to return for his junior season. Montoya had considered leaving to sign with the New York Rangers, who took him sixth overall in the NHL entry draft on June 26.


"Al Montoya has confirmed he's gone through the decision-making process of whether to turn professional or stay at Michigan and he's decided to come back to school," Berenson said in a statement. "I think it's a good decision for him and for Michigan. It's good to get the decision out of the way because it is going to be a big season this year."

Click to read more...

 

[db23]

I have the feeling that the decision was much more the Ranger's than Montoya's but, whatever.

Go Blue!

 

[Rabid Ranger]

IMO Montoya needed another year in college before making the jump to the professional ranks, so this is good news. Let him dominate the college game and help defend the WJC title, and then make the move to Hartford next year. This helps the Rangers goaltending situation as well, as there's one less body to worry about.

 

[Postman]

I have the feeling that the decision was much more the Ranger's than Montoya's but, whatever.

Actually, I think it was probably more his mom's decision than anyone elses.

 

[ZombieMatt]

No real surprise here in my opinion. I would have been surprised to see him turn pro already, but you never know I guess.

 

[NYR469]

http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/metro26e_20040726.htm

Good news for Michigan fans.

good news for ranger fans too

 

[in the hall]

I agree a lot had to do with Sather offering less then max money, essentially forcing him into this decision.

 

[NYR469]

I agree a lot had to do with Sather offering less then max money, essentially forcing him into this decision.

larry brooks is the only one that reported that and maloney & montoya both said it wasn't about $$

 

[Moskau]

I agree a lot had to do with Sather offering less then max money, essentially forcing him into this decision.

GMs can just say no, you know. They don't have to lie, or lowball prospects, in fact why would they insult their intelligence like that and piss them off.

It only takes one look at Blackburn to make the decision if you're Sather.

 

[RangerBoy]

http://www.freep.com/sports/umich/metro26e_20040726.htm

Good news for Michigan fans.

This story broke on Saturday morning

 

[Motown Beatdown]

This story broke on Saturday morning

Didn't see a thread on the board. thats why i posted it.

 

[RangerBoy]

Didn't see a thread on the board. thats why i posted it.

The Michiganhockey.net site broke the story.Jason broke the story.Al Montoya's mom sent him an email informing him of Al's decision and the approval to release the information

http://www.michiganhockey.net/

http://www.michiganhockey.net/news.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=38

It's a good site

I'm glad Al stayed at Michigan.Go Blue!!! Go USA!!!

 

[Postman]

The Michiganhockey.net site broke the story.Jason broke the story.Al Montoya's mom sent him an email informing him of Al's decision and the approval to release the information

I told ya! I know how Cuban moms operate.

 

[SpaceGhost79]

The decision was ultimately Al's choice. His mom, of course, wants him in school two more years. And Al spoke with like 1000 other people to gather their opinions, from the Rangers to Coach Berenson and former U-M goalies Steve Shields and Marty Turco. There's part of an interview with him posted at http://michigan.rivals.com

Either there or another article I read Al said the Rangers offered him money equal to what other first round goalies have been offered in the past and that it was a satisfying deal. So he could have taken it and gone if he wanted. Thankfully, he didn't!