Canton native Michael Downing has been to Florida once in his life.

He’s certainly going to get more familiar with the Sunshine State now.

The University of Michigan commit was selected by the Florida Panthers in the fourth round of the NHL Draft in New Jersey late Sunday evening. While it was later than he was supposed to hear his name called, Downing had no complaints.

“I’ve been to Florida once, I was in a tournament – maybe 13 years old – but yeah, I was shocked,” said Downing, a defenseman. “So much stuff, so much pressure on you, you just want to hear your name called. I didn’t talk to Florida much while I was here, but I was shocked, and I’m happy.”

Downing concluded his second season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints this spring when the club captured the USHL league championship. The Canton native, listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, recorded three goals and 20 assists in the timeframe, along with 107 penalty minutes. Before joining the USHL, Downing was a stand-out defenseman for Detroit Catholic Central. He played youth hockey for Honeybaked, Belle Tire, and Victory Honda.

His next stop will be the University of Michigan; Downing is part of an impressive 2013 recruiting class that will make the losses of Jon Merrill and Jacob Trouba just a little bit more bearable for the folks in Ann Arbor.

Downing said he can’t wait to start skating for Red Berenson and the Michigan hockey program.

“I’m really excited, I’ve been waiting for it for a while, and I’ve always wanted to play there. He’s a living legend, so it will be good.”

He is also excited to be part of the inaugural Big Ten hockey season. The Wolverines, along with in-state rival Michigan State, will begin competing in the new conference in November.

“That will be a lot of fun, to be on the Big Ten Network and all that, I think it will be great.”

MiHockey’s Mark Burns contributed to this article from the Prudential Center in New Jersey.