KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Colorado Avalanche announced today that the team has signed forward Jason Polin to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2023-24 season. He will report to the Colorado Eagles on a professional tryout contract (PTO).

Polin leaves Kalamazoo as one of the most decorated players in program history. During his time at Western Michigan, he became the first player to win NCHC Player of the Year and Forward of the Year, while becoming the third Bronco to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. He was a First Team All-NCHC selection. Polin also concluded this season as the nation's leading goal scorer (30 goals), which marks the second consecutive year a Western Michigan player was at the top of that list (Ethen Frank, 2021-22). It's the first time a WMU player has reached 30 or more goals in a season since 1993-94. 

The Holt, Mich. native improved each season he was on campus, culminating in his senior season where he captained the Broncos and etched his name into the NCHC and NCAA record books. Polin became just the second player in the last five seasons to score 30 or more goals in a season. The last two players to do so went on to win the Hobey Baker Award. Additionally, he broke the NCHC record for single-season goals. The previous mark was held by Omaha's Josh Archibald, who scored 29 goals during the 2013-14 season. 

During his four years on campus, Polin played in 132 games, totaling 96 points on 60 goals and 36 assists. His career peaked in 2022-23, where he collected 47 points, thanks to 30 goals (five hat tricks) and 17 assists. Along the way, Polin was able to make two NCAA Tournament appearances, including the program's first tournament win. The Broncos downed Northeastern in the Regional Semifinal in 2022. In his final season, he had career highs in points (47), goals (30), assists (17), shots (152), power-play goals (6), game-winning goals (4), shorthanded goals (2) and plus-minus (+26). 

However, he wasn't just excellent on the ice. Polin excelled in the classroom just as much as he did as an athlete. He was a four-time NCHC Distinguished Scholar Athlete, which is an honor given to student-athletes who maintain a cumulative GPA over 3.50. Studying sport management, Polin maintained a 3.70 GPA and was a finalist for the NCHC Senior Scholar-Athlete Award. 

"I'm extremely thankful for my time here over the last four years at WMU," Polin said. "The friendships and memories will last a lifetime. The support from the fans and Lunatics is special and unmatched.  On and off the ice, I've been able to grow and develop at WMU. This program and coaching staff helps prepare you to become a professional in all aspects of hockey and life. The culture and program here continues to grow stronger year by year and I can't wait to follow along and see the success."

Polin joins Max Sasson and Cole Gallant as Broncos who have signed a professional contract during this offseason.