Mike Santorelli finally made it official and signed-on with the Nashville Predator organization. Details about his contract will follow when and if they become available. Even though this is a huge loss for the NMU hockey program, it is one heck of a move for Mike.

There is no doubt he could have left an immense legacy at NMU by playing his senior season. He’d have been a Hobey Baker and CCHA Player of the Year candidate. But anyone in society of sound mind would have done the same thing if offered a nice pro contract and the opportunity to play in the NHL. You can’t blame Mike one bit. All you can do is wish him all the best. Let’s hope Mike’s dreams come true and he suits up very soon for the Nashville Predators. I was able to spend a lot of time in Nashville and at the Gaylord Entertainment Center. It’s a first class facility and organization with a new owner on the horizon. They have a much larger hockey fan base than Columbus, Tampa and Miami, so he’ll be playing in Nashville for many years to come. Mike is going to enjoy it there and make the fans and followers of NMU very proud.

“Thanks a lot for the support. My three years at NMU were great and helped me grow as an individual as well as a hockey player. I have many memories that will stay with me.” –Mike Santorelli, June 14