Mark Jankowski, the Calgary Flames’ surprise first-round selection at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, is heading south and continuing his education.
The 21st overall selection, and the first scholastic player drafted in Pittsburgh, has decided to take his young career to Providence College in the fall, reports NHL.com. Originally the 17-year-old intended to skate for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League for a season prior to joining the Providence Friars, who play in the competitive NCAA Division I East conference. The Friars finished last season with a record of 14-20-4.
“Although we are disappointed in not having the opportunity to work with Mark, we wish him the best of luck in Providence as he continues his student athletic career,” Dubuque coach and general manager Jim Montgomery told the site. “Mark is a good kid from a great family and would have fit in nicely with our culture.”
Providence coach Nate Leaman said at June’s draft that he believed the 17-year-old Jankowski was ready to make the jump and centre the Friars’ top line immediately. The school was holding a scholarship for him just in case he did decide to attend Providence in 2012-13.
“NCAA testing ground may give Flames better read on him,” tweeted Sportsnet’s Calgary analyst Roger Millions.
Jankowski scored 53 goals and 94 points at Stanstead College, a private Quebec high school, last season. The Hamilton, Ont., native attended Calgary’s development camp at WinSport’s Athletic and Ice Complex this month.
“I really want to prove (the Flames) right,” Jankowski said after being drafted. “I think in 10 years I can be the best player in this draft.”
