[sureLoss]

Alex Petan, brother of Nic looks to start his pro career

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sport...85/?cmpid=rss1

“We’re about the same height, and if you look at guys around the [NHL] and the way the game has become in the last little stretch, I don’t feel size is a [problem] at all,” said Alex, who adds that Nic was also told many times he was not big enough to play in the NHL. “The size of your heart is a little bit more important than anything else. If you’re good enough and you’re willing to work hard, anyone of any size deserves to play professional hockey.”

Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson describes his captain as a goal-scorer with “real soft hands,” but also as a late-bloomer who is not part of the conversation when this year’s top NCAA free agents are discussed. Still, Petan hopes to land a professional contract as he finishes out his senior year. He is on track to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in sports and fitness management.

Petan was selected the Western Collegiate Hockey Association player of the year after scoring 18 goals and 15 assists for 33 points in 35 games, but his season ended in disappointment. The Huskies were expected to advance to the NCAA tournament, but instead were upset 1-0 last weekend by Ferris State in the WCHA semi-finals.