The Gophers hockey program has lost another player.
Incoming freshman Tommy Vannelli has left the hockey team. Don Lucia has more.
“After a few weeks of trying to balance academics and athletics, Tommy made the decision this morning that college hockey was not the best route for him at this time,” Lucia said in a statement. “We accept his decision and will move on as a team.”
Vannelli was drafted in the second round (No. 47 overall) by the St. Louis Blues. The 6-foot-2 defenseman was a Star Tribune first-team all-metro player last season at Minnetonka High School.
Vanelli is a significant loss for the gophers hockey team but on the bright side this may open a spot the next year for Tyler Nanne.
— Jeff Dubay (@jeffdubay) September 17, 2013
Fellow incoming freshman Lou Nanne recently de-committed from the team as well.
