New Hampshire forward Eddie Caron will forego his final two seasons of eligibility after signing a professional contract with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. Though he would have been a senior this upcoming season, Caron still had two years of college eligibility remaining because of two transfers.
“I support Eddie’s decision,” said UNH head coach Dick Umile. “I wish him the best of luck in the future. He is a terrific young man.”
Caron, a 2nd round draft choice of the Oilers in 2001, played two seasons at UNH and appeared in 69 games, recording 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points. He posted a career-high 13 points in his freshman season in 2001-2002. He was a two-time Sid Knight Award winner, given annually at the team awards banquet to the Wildcat with the highest grade point average.
Caron is the fifth Hockey East player to depart early this summer, joining Luciano Aquino and Dustin Penner from Maine, Greg Mauldin from Massachusetts, and Ryan Whitney from Boston University.
Caron’s departure, though, adds to a long list of players that UNH needs to replace heading into the upcoming season. The Wildcats graduated eight seniors including their leading score, Steve Saviano, and top goaltender, Mike Ayers.
