Over the past handful of summers its been underclassmen departing U-M early for the pros, and now they're bolting before they're arriving. Don't forget that Wisconsin recruit Robbie Earl also originally committed to the Wolverines this fall before changing his mind and heading to Madison.

Here's the press release from Clarkson:

---------------------

CLARKSON ADDS 3RD ROUND NHL PICK TO INCOMING RECRUITS
July 23, 2003

Matt Nickerson, one of the top 100 players selected in the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft, and Jamie McKinven are the latest additions to the Clarkson University Hockey team, Golden Knights head coach George Roll announced recently.

Nickerson is perhaps the Golden Knights’ highest profile recruit in quite some time. A dominant junior hockey player for the Texas Tornado in the North American Hockey League, Nickerson was selected on the first day of the draft, in the third round (99th overall) by the Dallas Stars.

“Matt will add size, strength and toughness to our defensive corps,” stated associate coach Greg Drechsel. “He has good offensive instincts and has the capabilities of playing on the power play. He sees the ice well and plays with great intensity.”

A 6-5, 235-pound defenseman, Nickerson earned high praise from several scouting services prior to the draft. Kyle Woodlief, Director of the Red Line Report, said the following about Nickerson… “Matt Nickerson is the biggest, meanest, nastiest player in this year’s draft. He will be the most sought after “enforcer” type in this year’s lottery.”

Nickerson, a native of Old Lyme, CT, played in 47 games with Texas last season and scored six goals and 23 assists, while racking up a league-high 277 minutes in penalties.

-------------------------

However, perhaps it's in his best interest considering with Nickerson the Wolverines would have had nine defenseman and you can't guarantee anyone ice time.

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net/