Men's Hockey | 3/21/2011 4:12:02 PM

ROCHESTER, NY – Junior forward Tyler Brenner (Linwood, Ontario/) of the RIT men's hockey team became the third player since the program moved to Division I in 2005 to forego college eligibilty and sign a professional contract. Brenner, who earned a bachelor's degree in business from RIT, officially signed a two-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs of National Hockey League on Monday and will report to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.

Brenner enjoyed a tremendous season for the Tigers, helping lead the squad to its fourth Atlantic Hockey Association regular season title in the last five seasons, and a 19-11-8 record. He was seventh nationally with 26 goals and added 15 assists for 41 points in 37 games, while playing at a plus-9. Brenner led the Tigers with 11 power-play goals and three game-winning tallies. The 26 goals were one shy of the single-season program record.

Brenner earned 2011 All-AHA second team honors, and was named a 2011 AHA Player of the Week on Jan. 3. He recorded seven multiple-goal games, and 14 multiple-point efforts. On March 12, he became the fifth player since RIT moved to Division I to record his 100th career point in a 5-1 win over American International.

Last season, Brenner helped RIT make its first trip to the NCAA Tournament and a berth in the Frozen Four. Brenner played in 33 games and recorded 26 points on 15 goals and 11 assists. He earned 2010 NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team honors after scoring two goals in RIT's 6-2 win over New Hampshire that propelled them to the Frozen Four. Brenner scored RIT's lone goal in the Frozen Four loss to Wisconsin.

In 2008-09, Brenner was third among all Division I rookies with 35 points on 14 goals and 21 assists. He was named to the AHA All-Rookie Team and won the Craig Lauzon Award as RIT's top rookie.

Brenner finished his Tiger career tied for the all-time lead at the Division I level with 55 goals, while adding 47 assists for 102 points in 108 games. His 13 game-winning goals are the most in the Division I era RIT, while his 25 power-play goals are second, and 102 points, fifth.

“It is an exciting time for Tyler,” said RIT Head Coach Wayne Wilson. “He has worked extremely hard over the past three years to reach his goal of playing in the NHL. Tyler has made a great impact on our program and we are glad to be a contributing factor in his development. Getting his degree and now signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs is a real credit to him and his family and a dream come true."

Brenner joins Steve Pinizzotto (Mississauga, ON/Oakville Blades) and Chris Tanev (Toronto, Ontario/) as the lone Tigers to forego eligibility to sign a contract with a NHL team. Pinizzotto signed a contract with the Washington Capitals in March, 2007, and currently plays with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. Tanev signed with the Vancouver Canucks in June, 2010, and is currently helping the squad in their push for a Stanley Cup Championship.