March 25, 2008

The Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League have signed former Western Michigan captain Jeff LoVecchio to an Amateur Tryout Agreement. Brian Bicek has also signed a contract to play for the Elmira Jackals of the East Coast Hockey League.

LoVecchio, a native of Chesterfield, Mo., will forgo his senior season at Western Michigan and will report to Boston's American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins, to finish out the season.

"It was a tough decision to leave early," said LoVecchio. "It is like leaving your family but my dream is to play in the NHL and I have to do what's best for my career and follow my dream."

LoVecchio finished the season third on the team in scoring with nine goals and 12 assists in 35 games this season. In his three year career with Western Michigan LoVecchio played in 112 career games scoring 35 goals and adding 39 assists. LoVecchio's most productive season as a Bronco came during his sophomore campaign in 2006-07. He scored 19 goals and dished out 15 assists to finish third on the team in scoring with 35 points. LoVecchio finished behind senior Paul Szczechura and Mark Letestu, who both went on to sign deals with the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins.

After exhausting his eligibility Bicek, a senior from Downers Grove, Ill., signed a deal with the Elmira Jackals. Bicek scored three goals and added six assists this season and finishes his career with 29 goals and 25 assists in 145 games played. He had his best season during his junior campaign of 2006-07 in which he scored 15 goals and added 11 assists in 37 games, finishing fifth on the team in scoring.