WCHA loses another (player, not team)

Pat Christman/The Free Press

The Omaha World-Herald reported Friday that Nebraska Omaha sophomore-to-be Jayson Megna, is turning pro. Megna (pictured) was the red Mavericks' second leading scorer, coming off a 13-goal, 31-point freshman season in which he was named to the WCHA's All-Rookie team.

Megna is deciding between the Penguins, Bruins and Jets, according to the report.

It's been a tough off-season for UNO, which also lost captain Terry Broadhurst a year early; lost out to Broadhurst's brother and recruit Alex Broadhurst to the major-junior ranks; had sophomore-to-be Ryan Massa, a goalie, decide to take a year of for personal reasons; and, of course, lost associate head coach Mike Hastings to Minnesota State, where he is now the head coach.

UPDATE: Over the weekend it was reported that the team's other assistant coach has left, as Brian Renfrew has taken a scouting job with the Winnipeg Jets.

The list of early departures in the WCHA is now 12 (13 if you include Massa). Combined with graduated seniors, that leaves just three of last season's top 10 scorers (overall games) and 12 of the top 20 back this season.

Meanwhile, Minnesota State's players are due to report to Mankato by Sunday, according to Hastings. Many are already in town.