Coach George Gwozdecky of Denver keeps losing underclassmen.
Sophomore forward Beau Bennett is the latest to leave the Pioneers. Bennett, of Gardena, Calif., has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins drafted him in the first round -- 20th overall -- in the 2010 NHL draft. The 6-1, 190-pound Bennett played only 10 games in 2011-12 because of a wrist injury and finished with four goals and nine assists.
He had nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points as a freshman.
"We are happy for Beau that he is realizing his life-long dream to become a professional hockey player," said Gwozdecky in a DU news release. "Beau is a big-time talent, who would have put up big numbers for us last season if it wasn't for his injury."
Two other DU forwards with eligibility left turned pro earlier since the Pioneers' season ended. Drew Shore, a junior center, signed with the Florida Panthers and sophomore winger Jason Zucker with the Wild.
This is the second time in three years that the Pioneers have lost three underclassmen in the offseason. Here is a list of the 17th underclassmen who have signed pro contract in Gwozdecky's 18 seasons as head coach:
2011: Matt Donovan
