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The Guelph Storm has parted ways with overage forward Marc Stevens.
Stevens, 20, is free to try and find a spot with another major junior club or pursue other professional or CIS options, Storm general manager Mike Kelly said Tuesday.
"We've been in consultation with Marc and felt it would be best to give him as much opportunity as possible to talk to other teams," Kelly said.
"He has been a terrific player and a wonderful ambassador for the team and it's always tough to let a person of that character go," Kelly said. "It's tough because everyone thought very highly of Marc."
Stevens could not immediately be reached for comment.
The six-foot, 185-pound Turkey Point native played three seasons with the Storm and part of a fourth.
In 169 career games he had nine goals, 20 assists and 174 penalty minutes.
He was a fifth round draft pick of the Storm in 2012.
Last year he had three goals and five assists in 34 games in an injury-plagued season.
While never the most talented player on the team, he was known for his work ethic and character both on and off the ice.
Stevens was extremely well liked and respected by his teammates and earned a reputation for his willingness to stand up for them on the ice.
"With the number of young forwards we had returning we had to make room for them," Kelly said.
He said it was best to make this decision now rather than wait until training camp in order to give Stevens the maximum amount of time possible to try and find another team to play for.
Kelly also said that the team has confirmed that import pick Dmitri Samorukov will be joining the team this year. Discussions are still underway to bring Czech forward Albert Michnac to Guelph, but Kelly said he is hopeful it will happen.
The release of the import players from their home countries involves club, family and the International Ice Hockey Federation's approval, Kelly said.
The team is still in discussions with second round pick Cam Hillis.
