Michael George leaves LSSU to play for UHL Fort Wayne Komets

SAULT STE. MARIE – Freshman forward Michael George of Battleford, Sask., has left Lake Superior State University and has signed to play professionally for the Fort Wayne Komets of the United Hockey League. George, a talented 6-1, 195-pounder, was denied eligibility by the NCAA. LSSU hockey coach Jim Roque was disappointed to lose a recruited player, but understands George’s pursuit of an opportunity to play immediately. “He wants to play, and I understand that,” Roque said. “I’m disappointed that we lost a really good player. I do know that Michael and his family can’t leave here saying that Kris (Dunbar, director of athletics) and Tom (Boger, faculty athletics representative) didn’t do everything they could to help him through this process.” In George’s case, the NCAA questioned the protocol his high school followed in regard to repeating classes. The NCAA has strict guidelines for that process. The departure of George, who was the fourth-leading scorer in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League last season, leaves the Lakers with only one extra forward on its roster.