Al Montoya Signs with Rangers

Al Montoya, the University of Michigan starting goaltender, has decided to skip his senior year and signed with the New York Rangers, who drafted him sixth overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. Michigan fans, including myself, are left stunned and wondering what will transpire without our best player. Senior Noah Ruden will likely be the new starting goaltender. Rangers GM Glen Sather:

"Al is one of the top goaltending prospects in hockey and we are extremely pleased to have signed him. We feel this will be a big step for Al in advancing his development. He has been working extremely hard this summer and we are looking forward to seeing him on the ice at training camp in September."

Michigan coach Red Berenson:

"It's disappointing to lose a player who is going into his senior year. He had a lot of pressure from the New York Rangers organization to turn professional and he made the decision to do it. He had a good career at Michigan but I wish he would have stayed and enjoyed his senior year."

I'm not going to even start listing off Montoya's accomplishments. You can read them here. Montoya in his new sweater (draft day picture): And while I'm already talking about the University of Michigan, on a much happier note, I'd like to congratulate the UM Solar Car Team, which took first place in the North American Solar Challenge this afternoon. The team made the 2,500 mile trip (Houston to Calgary) in a vehicle solely run by solar power. Being a team member, I spent a few late nights in the workspace building that car. Next stop Australia, for the World Solar Challenge in September.