WCHA Hockey: Nebraska-Omaha goalie Anthony Stolarz leaving Mavericks for OHL

For the second time in a week a WCHA freshman is expected to leave college and head to London, Ontario.

University of Nebraska-Omaha goaltender Anthony Stolarz, a 2012 second round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers(45th overall), is departing the team and expected to sign with the London Knights of the OHL. The announcement comes from a release sent out from the school.

Stolarz entered the year as one of the more touted freshmen in the WCHA due to his draft status. The 6'6", 220 lbs goalie has size and talent and was making the jump from the NAHL to the WCHA. Many goaltenders spend at least a season in the USHL or BCHL before heading to college; however, Stolarz was thought highly enough to be invited to Team USA's National Junior Evaluation Camp in August.

"I'm obviously disappointed by Anthony's decision," said UNO head coach Blais. "He has been making a very challenging transition from the North American Hockey League to the WCHA, and we, as coaches, saw good progress from him in the first half of the season. But ultimately, it's his decision where he wants to play, and we wish him the best in the next chapter of his career."

He appeared in eight games for the Mavericks, compiling an .898 save percentage and 2.56 GAA. Although the Jackson, New Jersey native started the season splitting games with senior John Faulkner, Faulkner earned more playing time for Nebraska-Omaha as the season has gone on. The Mavericks have played well with him in the net and currently are in first place in the WCHA.

London, meanwhile, gains another goalie to add to a team that already has Jake Patterson and Kevin Bailie. The Knights lead the OHL this season with a 34-5-1 record and only lost once in their last 26 games.

Stolarz joins former Denver freshman Dakota Mermis, who left the Pioneers for London last week.

For more SB Nation College Hockey follow us on Twitter@sbncollegepuck and like us on Facebook.