Michael Dorr said he was impressed with coach Troy Jutting and the Minnesota State men’s hockey team when he was being recruited by different college hockey programs.

But the desire to play for the University of Minnesota was too strong.

Dorr started his freshman season with the Gophers but, after playing in just two of 16 games, soon saw that he might not get to play much for them. The former Roseville High School star decided to leave Minnesota over semester break and transferred to MSU.

“It was playing time,” said Dorr, 20, who was dressed in a new Mavericks hoodie Wednesday afternoon. “I wanted to play. I feel like I have a better opportunity to get playing time here.”

That chance won’t come until January, 2010, as the forward will have to sit out one calendar year before he’s eligible to play in game action. He can practice, however, and plans to start skating with the Mavericks this week.

“He’s a very talented player,” Jutting said. “He had a great high school career and in junior hockey. We’re happy to have him. I think he’s going to be an excellent college-hockey player.”

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound Dorr played with current MSU freshman Adam Mueller in high school and the pair were linemates.

“Adam and I lived a block and a half apart,” Dorr said. “I’ve known him since we were Squirts. ... It’s great to be here with my best buddy.”

Dorr was a two-time all-state pick and the Star Tribune’s Metro Player of the Year in 2006-07.

That season he had 38 goals and 71 points in 26 games.

Last season, with the United States Hockey League’s Des Moines Buccaneers, he had 10 goals and 32 points in 34 games.

As a high school junior, Dorr verbally committed to play at Minnesota Duluth but withdrew his commitment and finally chose the Gophers.

At Minnesota, Dorr played two games, including the Gophers’ 3-3 tie against the Mavericks on Oct. 31. He had no points.