Sonny Milano forgoes college, will play with Plymouth Whalers

DETROIT – Sonny Milano, who the Columbus Blue Jackets selected 16th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, has decided to forgo his college eligibility and instead play in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers.

Milano, 18, was committed to play at Boston College. However, the young forward announced this weekend he is opting to spend this season in the OHL.

The OHL offers a 68-game season and 16-team playoff format. In comparison to the average 40-game season most college teams play, the OHL's is closer to the length of an 82-game NHL season.

View/download: 2014-15 Plymouth Whalers Schedule

Milano, a native of New York, is no stranger to southeast Michigan. He has spent the past two seasons playing with the U.S National Development program in Ann Arbor. He played 25 games with the National Under-18 team this past season, scoring 14 goals and 25 assists.

Milano issued this statement through agent Rich Evans to the Columbus Dispatch:

"Since being drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the NHL Draft in Philadelphia on June 27, I have been asked many times about whether I would continue with my plans to attend Boston College, or play junior hockey instead. In an effort to avoid controversy and further questions on the subject, I responded that I was looking forward to attending BC in the Fall. While I have had every intention of playing for Coach (Jerry) York and joining the best college hockey program in the country, since the end of my hockey season at the USNDTP I have been questioning whether going to school was the best situation for me.

"Perhaps I should have acknowledged my growing indecision when asked about my plans, but it was difficult to explain to those who were asking when I did not even know myself what I wanted to do. After a great deal of thought and discussion with my family, I have spoken with Coach York and informed him that I will be playing for the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers this season."

EliteProspects.com offers this summary of the young forward's play:

"Milano is a skilled winger with good hands who likes to carry the puck and have it on his stick. He has a quick first step as well as good straight line speed and able to use his edges well to elude and evade. He uses finesse puck skills and change of direction to beat defenders."