OSU's Collin Olson Leaves Program

Former USNTDP Player Expected to Go to USHL

by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor

Ohio State goaltender Collin Olson left the program over the weekend, and plans to play junior hockey in the USHL, sources told College Hockey News.

Olson, a sophomore, came in from the U.S. National Team Development Program and played just nine games as a freshman, as All-American Brady Hjelle started ahead of him. Olson was 2-3-1 with a 3.09 goals against average and .901 save percentage.

This season, the 6-foot-3 Olson, from Apple Valley, Minn., expected to get a bigger chance, but has started just two games as freshman Matt Tomkins has gotten the bulk of the work. Olson allowed six goals in a season-opening loss to Miami, then allowed two goals on three shots in three minutes against Robert Morris on Oct. 25 before getting pulled. He hasn't played since, and, sources say, was upset with his lack of playing time.

Cocah Steve Rohlik confirmed that later in a statement.

"Collin feels he hasn't played the number of games he's needed over the last few years," Rohlik said. "He has decided leaving our program to find somewhere he will play more games will be best for his future. He is a good kid and a good student and we wish him nothing but the best."

Olson, 19, who was at the Team USA evaluation camp for the World Juniors in August, appears like to play in the USHL with the chance of going to a different college program next year. He was drafted in the sixth round by Carolina in 2012.

Tomkins, who got the win against Minnesota-Duluth on Saturday, was a seventh-round selection of Chicago in that same draft. He is 4-3 with a 3.04 GAA and .901 save percentage so far this season.

Ohio State's only other goaltender now is freshman Logan Davis, who has not appeared in a game.