A story-line mostly forgotten because of bigger name prospects garnering attention, Patrick Holway has not played a second of hockey this year. A 6th round pick in 2015, Holway left the University of Maine’s ice hockey program back in October due to personal reasons. Reports are now saying he has transferred to Merrimack College.

The transfer process would allow him eligibility for next season, either in September or January (of 2020), depending on if he wins the NCAA appeal. Meaning he won’t play in the NCAA at all this season. He is too old to play in the USHL or NAHL, and I can’t imagine he would play oversees with reports he wants to be closer to his family, so this appears to be the end of his season.

Holway had a decent first two years at Maine. The American-born defensemen had 13 points in 33 games in his freshman year and 19 points in 33 games in his sophomore year. He played along with fellow Red Wings prospect Chase Pearson at a program that has helped Detroit develop Gustav Nyquist and Jimmy Howard.

Missing out on the entity of his D+3 is very bad news. His chances of signing with the Red Wings were already doubtful, and this obviously doesn’t help. Unless he has a very strong senior year at Merrimack next year (and the verdict of the appeal will play a big role in that) his chances of inking a deal with the Wings will be non-existent.