Men's Ice Hockey | July 25, 2017

ESBJERG, Denmark – Western Michigan hockey alum Taylor Fleming has signed professionally with Metal Ligaen Champions Esbjerg Energy.

Fleming will play for the best team in Denmark's top league and will also take part in the 2017-18 Champions Hockey League that pits Europe's top teams against each other. The defenseman leaves the Broncos after playing in 140 career games and racking up 47 points on five goals and 42 assists. He recently concluded his best season as a senior with a career-best 19 points and a +7 plus/minus rating. The Waconia, Minn., native was twice voted the Neil Smith Most Valuable Defenseman by his teammates and was voted the Suzanne Klop Rookie of the Year.

"I'd like to thank Coach Murray for believing in me and recruiting me to WMU," said Fleming. "I learned a lot throughout my career and I can't thank him enough for taking a chance on me. I'd also like to thank my defensive coach Dave Shyiak for helping me develop into the player I am today. I want to thank my teammates for pushing me in practice every day to be the best player I could be. Lastly I want to thank WMU and all of the Lunatics for making my college career special."

"Taylor had an outstanding four-year career for us on the blue line," said head coach Andy Murray. "He was voted our best defenseman twice, our rookie of the year and leaves with a business degree. He has a NHL upside and is going to one of the top club teams in Europe and will play for Mark Peterson, who has developed some of the best players in Europe. We are really excited for his opportunity. It's going to continue to develop into a top-level pro."

Fleming joins fellow seniors Sheldon Dries, Mike McKee and Chris Dienes in signing professional contracts.