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Ohio State junior forward Chris Crane has given up his final year of eligibility to sign a pro contract with the San Jose Sharks. Crane had 6 goals and 3 assists this year in 38 games with the Buckeyes. Last year, as a sophomore, he led the Buckeyes in scoring with 10 goals and 14 assists. The Sharks drafted Crane in the 7th round of the 2010 NHL Draft.
Crane is a speedy forward, and though his numbers dipped a bit this year, does have the potential to put the puck in the net. It's a tough loss for a Buckeye squad that otherwise returns most of their top players next season in advance of their first campaign in the new Big Ten conference.
Crane will head to Worcester and join the Sharks AHL affiliate.