Michigan State University Athletics
Rowe Signs Pro Contract With Philadelphia
5/7/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
May 7, 2010
East Lansing, Mich. - - Michigan State junior forward Andrew Rowe (Muskegon, MIch.) has signed a professional contract with the Philadelphia Flyers organization, Rowe, an undrafted free agent, just completed his junior season for the Spartans, and will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility.
"It was really a very tough decision to leave," noted the Spartans' alternate captain. "Michigan State has been an unbelievable experience for me, and I have to thank Coach Comley and the rest of the MSU staff for giving me a chance to be here. However, this was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down, so it's bittersweet. While I am excited about starting my professional career, I will miss the MSU hockey program, and I will always be a Spartan."
"We wish Andrew well," noted head coach Rick Comley. "He has grown tremendously over three seasons, and while I obviously would have loved for him to stay at Michigan State for his senior season, we also understand the tough decisions these juniors have to make. It's not easy on them, and it's not easy on us as a program. But, it's the current state of the game. "
Rowe spent three seasons in a Michigan State uniform, and served as an alternate captain as a junior. He had a breakout offensive season as a junior, scoring 17 goals and totaled 28 points, ranking second on the team in goals and fourth in points. He was also second on the team in plus/minus rating (+11). The speedy winger appeared in 94 career games, with a 26-23- 49 scoring line.
Michigan State has lost two juniors as early departures this season; team co-captain Jeff Petry signed immediately after the regular season. A second-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers, Petry signed with Edmonton and played the final weeks of the AHL regular season with Edmonton's affiliate, the Springfield Falcons.
