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Bruins Sign Austin Czarnik From Miami-Ohio

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins have signed NCAA free agent forward Austin Czarnik.

The 22-year-old center announced on Twitter that he'll be joining the Bruins organization.

Czarnik became available after Miami lost to Providence on Saturday in the East regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament.

Playing an average of 40 games per year in his four seasons at Miami, Czarnik averaged 12 goals and 31 assists per year. He's coming off a nine-goal, 36-assist senior season for the RedHawks.

Prior to his time at Miami, Czarnik played for the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers as well as the U.S. National Under-18 Team.

Sports Illustrated listed Czarnik as one of the top available collegiate players, writing a description that seems to match the Bruins style.

"There's a reason why this highly skilled center -- he ranked fifth in the NCAA with 34 assists -- was bypassed in the draft and lightly regarded as a junior: he's tiny. Just 5-foot-9 and maybe 165 pounds, Czarnik is no one's idea of a prototypical pro pivot," SI said. "Still, the two-season captain of the RedHawks is a consistent offensive producer and he plays with the intensity of someone who is always looking to prove that he belongs. A team seeking offensive creativity up front might decide he's worth a look."

Earlier this month, the Bruins signed 5-foot-10 UMass forward Frank Vatrano.

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