The richest goalie room in college hockey is losing another star in as many years, as Strauss Mann surprisingly announced he intends to pursue a pro career rather than return for a 2021-’22 season he’d have to share with the next freak.

Strauss Mann announces intentions to embark on professional hockey career#GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/UcKYlcW7iX

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) April 30, 2021

Ouch.

Michigan still got three years out of a prospect I don’t think we expected to be this elite. Mann emerged as such as a sophomore in 2019-’20, reducing his GAA by more than a goal per game (2.91 to 1.85) and save percentage by over 40 points (.895 to .939), chasing 2020-’21 goaltender of the year Jack LaFontaine to Minnesota. Mann’s reward was splitting time with a blue chip freshman despite turning in another season that ranks among the best in recent Michigan hockey.

That blue chip, Erik Portillo, however posted a 1.67 GAA and .935 save percentage in about 29% of the ice time, and was probably due to siphon more minutes from Mann. Jack Leavy is the only other netminder on the roster, so Mel Pearson will be in the goalie market. They’re also looking for a new assistant at the position, as Kris Mayotte took the head job at Colorado College this offseason.

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