Marian defenseman Tommy Fitzpatrick has agreed to a tryout with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL and will not be back with the Sabres for his senior season.
Although Fitzpatrick has chosen not to participate in his final year of eligibility, he had already completed his business management degree in three years, according to a Marian spokesperson.
The Stingrays, a minor league affiliate of the Washington Capitals, are coached by Spencer Carbery, who played his college hockey for St. Norbert while current Marian head coach A.J. Aitken was an assistant there.
“This is a great opportunity for Tommy to experience the professional ranks,” Aitken said in a Marian news release. “I’m happy that I was able to open the door for him and now look forward to him taking advantage of this opportunity.”
Fitzpatrick was selected to his third straight All-MCHA team last season after tallying two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. Fitzpatrick recorded a school-record 62 assists in his career, a school record, and also set the record for points by a defenseman with 75 points in 78 career games.
