Former Viper Zurevinski Planning On Returning To School:

Former Vernon Vipers forward, Scott Zurevinski is planning on returning to school for his senior season after turning down a contract offer last spring from the NHL Vancouver Canucks. Zurevinski played two years in Vernon (2006-08).

This was in the New Haven Register Newspaper:

Signs pointing to return for Quinnipiac captain Scott Zurevinski

Published: Monday, May 09, 2011

HAMDEN — Quinnipiac men’s hockey captain Scott Zurevinski is planning on returning to school for his senior season. At least for the time being.

Last spring, Zurevinski turned down an NHL contract offer from the Vancouver Canucks and returned to school. Most, including Quinnipiac coach Rand Pecknold, figured Zurevinski would decide to turn professional after the season.

But Zurevinski said all along he wouldn’t leave until the time was right, and that he could remain at Quinnipiac through his senior year. Pecknold said Monday that Zurevinski is leaning toward returning to school, but the right offer could change his mind.

“As of now, he’s coming back,” Pecknold said. “That’s his plan for now, but things can still change. Guys have signed in June and July in the past, so we won’t know for sure until Aug. 25 (when classes at Quinnipiac begin). But I think he’ll be back here.”

Zurevinski, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound wing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, led the Bobcats with 25 points last season. He is scheduled to serve as captain again this winter.

Quinnipiac came within an overtime loss at Cornell of reaching the ECAC semifinals last March, and returns the bulk of the roster. It will also be aided by another solid recruiting class. Among those expected to contribute are Matthew Peca, a forward for Pembroke of the Central Canada Junior Hockey League. Peca led his team to the prestigious Royal Crown Cup as national Junior ‘A’ champions on Sunday, and was named the tournament’s outstanding forward.

Also scheduled to arrive in Hamden this fall are defensemen Jack Callahan (Springfield, Eastern Junior Hockey League) and Dan Federico (Boston, EJHL), forward Bryce Van Brabant (Spruce Grove, Alberta) and goalie Michael Gartieg (Powell River, British Columbia).

The most intriguing recruit is 6-foot-7, 244-pound goalie John Nauta, who was named the EJHL goaltender of the year after going 23-2-2 with a 1.67 goals-against average and .937 save percentage for New Jersey last winter. Nauta spent some time in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, which cost him a year of college eligibility. He will take classes at Quinnipiac next year, but won’t take the ice until the fall of 2012.