Erickson leaves Gophers' hockey team

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Sophomore forward Mike Erickson has left Minnesota's men's hockey team to join the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League.

Erickson, a high school standout at Eden Prairie, had two assists in 16 games this season. He was taken in the third round of last year's NHL draft by the Minnesota Wild.

"We discussed the situation with Mike and agreed this was the right move for him," Gophers coach Don Lucia said. "He is at a critical stage in his development as a player and this will give him an opportunity to continue his recovery from the injury last season."

Erickson played in nine games as a freshman before breaking his foot and missing the rest of the year.