Stuart to leave CC team

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 31, 2005 | by BRIAN GOMEZ THE GAZETTE

Colorado College defenseman Mark Stuart agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Boston Bruins on Saturday, closing the door on his college career.

Stuart, Boston's first-round pick (No. 21 overall) in the 2003 draft, said the timing was right for him to play in the NHL. He was a captain and a first-team All-American as a junior and a punishing presence throughout his threeyear career with the Tigers.

"It's tough leaving," said Stuart, who had five goals, 14 assists and 94 penalty minutes last season in leading CC to the Frozen Four. "I've got all my friends here, and I enjoyed going to school here. But I think I'm ready to go. I'm excited about the new challenge."

He is expected to report to training camp in September.

Under the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement, Stuart will earn a maximum of $942,400 as a rookie. That includes salary, signing bonus and games played bonus.

Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell expressed optimism over the signings of Stuart and Boston College defenseman Andrew Alberts, who inked a one-year contract.

"Both of these players are big defensemen who move the puck well and play a real physical style of hockey," O'Connell said in a statement. "Both are leaders, and both were dominant defensemen in college hockey last year."

Stuart said he's not sure where he stands heading into his first NHL training camp.

"You don't know until you're there," Stuart said. "I'm just going to work as hard as I can, and hopefully I'll get used to the game real quick. I'm just trying to be in the best shape as possible and be ready for whatever they throw at me."

CC senior forward Marty Sertich wasn't surprised.

"I think most of the guys kind of knew this was going to be his year to go," Sertich said. "He played a huge role on our team. He was our captain, and he was our leader on and off the ice. There's not much you can do except be happy for him."

Stuart's departure creates a roster spot for freshman Cody Lampl, an undersized defenseman with the Chicago Steel of the U.S. Hockey League.