Two forwards who have been in and out of the lineup during their first two seasons at UND will be transferring to new schools next year.
Sophomore Brett Bruneteau, who will earn his undergraduate degree in August, will enroll in graduate school at the University of Vermont, where his brother, Nick, is a freshman. Bruneteau will play for the Catamounts beginning in the fall.
Sophomore Mike Cichy, who came to UND with acclaim after a strong career in juniors, will transfer to a destination that is unknown as of now. One possible landing spot for Cichy is Western Michigan. The Broncos are coached by Jeff Blashill, the guy who coached Cichy and the Indiana Ice to a United States Hockey League title.
"I'm transferring for sure," said Cichy, who added that no destination was official yet.
Cichy played in just six of the team's final 23 games of the season and did not play in the NCAA tournament. For the season, he tallied three goals and seven points in 24 games.
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Bruneteau played in four games as a sophomore and didn't register any points. During his Sioux career, he had one goal and four assists in 31 games.
UND will lose at least seven forwards from last year's squad, including the two transfers, four seniors and junior Brett Hextall, who signed with the Phoenix Coyotes. Junior Jason Gregoire has not yet decided whether he will sign with the New York Islanders or return for his senior year.
The Sioux have six committed forwards who are eligible to come next fall, a group headlined by possible first-round draft picks Rocco Grimaldi and J.T. Miller. Colten St. Clair, Mike Parks, Brendan O'Donnell and Mark MacMillan also are eligible to come.
Team awards
UND handed out its team awards this week and, no surprise, it named Matt Frattin the most valuable player. Frattin was a top three Hobey Baker Award finalist and led the country with 36 goals.
Frattin also was the winner of the inaugural Virg Foss three-star award for earning the most three-star selections at home this season.
Defenseman Derek Forbort was named the rookie of the year; goalie Aaron Dell was named the most improved player; and defenseman Jake Marto was named the unsung hero.
Forward Brock Nelson won the Tom Hoghaug scholarship as the freshman who demonstrated initiative, character and responsibility. Chay Genoway and Derrick LaPoint shared the Archie Krum scholarship for showing leadership, high academic standards and athletic excellence.
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Reach Schlossman at (701) 780-1129; (800) 477-6572, ext. 129; or send e-mail to bschlossman@gfherald.com .
