November 21, 2008

Pelle Returns to U.S.

The Frederikshavn White Hawks (Denmark) announced Friday that former Harvard forward Jon Pelle is leaving the team for personal reasons and returning to the United States. Pelle signed a contract in June with the White Hawks.

"It is with great regret that we announce that Jon Pelle is going home to the United States for personal reasons," said Mogens Andersen. "Both Jon, management, board, coaching staff and players are incredibly concerned over this goodbye. All have been extremely happy to have Jon as part of our troops, and we wish Jon every success."

The White Hawks compete in Al-Bank Ligaen, Denmark's top professional league.

Pelle registered 14 goals, including eight power-play tallies and three game-winning goals, in 34 games with the Crimson in 2007-08. The West Islip, N.Y., native added 12 assists for a total of 26 points. Pelle contributed six goals and 10 assists in 22 league contests. He made the Bank of America ECAC Hockey Championship All-Tournament Team and was a semifinalist for the Walter Brown Award.

For his collegiate career, Pelle competed in 135 games, netting 39 goals and adding 58 assists for 97 points. He is tied for third on Harvard's career games-played list. Pelle and Meintel played in three league championship games and helped Harvard win the 2006 ECAC Hockey League Championship.