Denver junior forward Drew Shore has signed an entry-level contract with the Florida Panthers, forgoing his senior season with the Pioneers.

Florida drafted Shore in the second round (44th overall) of the 2009 NHL draft.

Shore, a Denver native, will report to the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage, Florida’s top affiliate, to play out the remainder of the 2011-12 season.

“We are certainly excited for Drew and his family about today’s announcement,” DU coach George Gwozdecky said in a news release. “Drew was one of the best players in the WCHA the past two seasons and he’s ready to take his game to the professional level. He set a standard as a student-athlete for all Colorado youth hockey players to achieve.”

Shore recorded 22 goals and 31 assists in 42 games for Denver this past season. In his three seasons with the Pioneers, Shore tallied 118 points on 50 goals and 68 assists.