Photo by: Michael Furman

Tyler Bozak, star center forward for DU hockey has confirmed that following Friday’s loss in the first round of the NCAA tournament, he will most likely not be returning to play for the Pioneers.

Bozak, 23, is a sophomore. As a top scorer and star center, Bozak said he has fielded over 25 offers from various NHL teams.

He said it’s been narrowed down to a “short list,” and added that “the Colorado Avs are still an option.”

“I’m very excited,” Bozak told the Clarion Monday night. “It’s been my dream my whole (life) to play professional hockey so this is an exciting time for me.”

Bozak left for Toronto shortly after DU’s loss to Miami (Ohio) to meet with his family adviser.

“We’re trying to figure out a good fit for me for a certain NHL team to sign with,” he said, adding that he will likely make a decision by Wednesday.

Hockey head coach George Gwozdecky would not confirm Bozak’s departure from the Pioneers.

“I’ve been in touch with him (Bozak) every single day since the season ended,” Gwozdecky said. “He loves school and he’s taking some time and contemplating, sitting down with family and his family adviser. Nothing has been decided yet.”

But one of Bozak’s teammates said he’ll be skating on bigger ice.

“He won’t be back for school and hockey,” said Kyle Ostrow, sophomore forward. “I wasn’t surprised to see Tyler leave. We all knew he had lots of interest the last few years and he had a very successful college career as he was our best players and one of the top players in the league you always want to be greedy and hope he stays but he is ready to move on.”

Bozak had left the Pioneers with 57 points on 26 goals and 31 assists.

He missed 21 games in the second half of the season after tearing his meniscus in his left knee and left as the leading scorer.

In his post-season debut Bozak tallied two points on one goal and one assist.

“Of course I am going to miss DU, I had two of the best years of my life there, met some great people, friends I’ll have forever and had the chance to work with a great organization in the Denver Pioneers.”

Bozak’s possible departure is not the first time that a DU hockey player opted for the NHL before graduation.

Last year, juniors Brock Trotter and Chris Butler left DU early to pursue careers in the NHL. Paul Stastny, left DU after his sophomore year to start the 2006 season with the Avalanche.

Defenseman Matt Carle, now with the Philadelphia Flyers, left DU in 2006, forfeiting his senior campaign.