The University of Maine Men's Hockey Program is pleased to announce two more signees from last week's National Letter of Intent Signing Period.
Ryan Smith, Forward, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL)
Ryan Smith (1997 Birth Year) will join Maine by way of the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. The 6'0 tall, 195 lb forward has registered 12 goals and 12 assists during the 2015-2016 Season. The Roanoke, Va native was also a member of Team USA at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Tournament.
In describing Smith's game, Coach Gendron explained, "[Smith] is a dynamic skater who plays a power forward type of game."
Tyler Johnson, Goaltender, Topeka Roadrunners (NAHL)
Tyler Johnson (1998 Birth Year) will be a presence between the pipes for the Black Bears standing at 6'3 and weighing in at 185 lbs. The Amherst, NY native has compiled a 2.56 GAA and a .907 save percentage en route to a 20-13-0 record while with Topeka.
Coach Gendron is happy to announce the signing of Johnson and elaborated on his play stating, " Tyler is an exceptional athlete with great size and instincts for the game."
In addition to these two signees during the NLI period, Maine Men's Hockey is also pleased to announce the commitments of Tim Doherty and Stephen Mundinger.
Tim Doherty, Center/Left Wing, Boston Jr. Bruins (USPHL)
Tim Doherty (1995 Birth Year) is a 6'0", 185 lb forward that comes to Maine from the Boston Jr. Bruins of the USPHL. During his junior career he has amassed 61 goals 77 assists for 138 points in 117 career games.
In describing the Portsmouth, RI native's game, Coach Gendron remarked, "Tim Doherty possesses exceptional offensive instincts, particularly around the net."
Stephen Mundinger, Goaltender, New York Aviators (NA3EHL)
Stephen Mundinger (1995 Birth Year) comes to the University of Maine by way of Smithtown, New York. During his time as a member of the New York Aviators, the 6'8" 236 lbs goaltender has amassed impressive stats, including a 24-8-2-2 record, 2.71 GAA and a .936 save percentage.
Coach Gendron remarked on Mundinger's size and ability stating, " At 6'8", [Mundinger] might be the biggest goalie in hockey. He also possesses very good athleticism."
Smith, Johnson, Doherty and Mundinger join Chase Pearson, Patrick Holway, Patrick Shea, Mitchell Fossier and Jake Pappalardo who previously signed in November, as this year's incoming recruiting class for the Black Bears.
Chase Pearson, Center, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)
Chase Pearson (1997 Birth Year) was a 5th round pick of the Youngstown
Phantoms of the United States Hockey League. The big bodied center stands at 6'2",
187 pounds and is currently serving as an Alternate Captain for his club averaging one
point per game. In the summer of 2015, Chase was a 5th round selection by the
Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Entry Draft.
When asked about Pearson, Coach Gendron responded "Chase Pearson is an
outstanding two-way center who plays very effectively on both sides of the puck. He
is exceptional on face-offs and will provide us with size down the middle."
Patrick Holway, Defense, Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Patrick Holway (1996 Birth Year) was the 94th overall selection in the 2015
USHL Entry Draft. The right-handed defenseman for Dubuque stands at 6'4" and
weighs 201 pounds. The Cohasset, Massachusetts native heard his name called
more than once this summer. During the 6th Round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the
Detroit Red Wings, joining Chase Pearson as Red Wings prospects heading to Maine,
drafted Holway.
Coach Gendron sees Holway as being a great fit in the lineup adding, "Patrick
Holway is tall and highly skilled. His shot and the offensive flair in his game will
allow him to be very effective here in Orono."
Patrick Shea, Center, Kimball Union Academy (US High School)
Patrick Shea (1997 Birth Year) is a right-handed center from Marshfield,
Massachusetts. During his time at Marshfield High, Shea had 19 goals and 36 assists
in just 21 games for his club. In 2014-2015, Shea went to Kimball Union Academy,
tallying 19 goals and 20 assists in 33 games played. In summer of 2015, the
Youngstown Phantoms drafted Shea in the second round of the USHL Entry Draft.
Furthermore, Shea was a 7th round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida
Panthers rounding out a trio of NHL prospects set to join the Black Bears.
Coach Gendron spoke highly of Shea stating, "Patrick Shea possesses great
speed, is highly skilled and loves to go to the net. His combination of skill and
physical toughness will make him a fan favorite."
Mitchell Fossier, Left Wing, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Mitchell Fossier (1996 Birth Year), also known as Mitch, will be joining Maine by way of
the Sioux City Musketeers. In summer of 2015, Mitch was drafted in the 2nd round,
21st overall in the USHL Entry Draft. The left-handed Fossier hails from Alpharetta,
Georgia and stands at 5'11" and weighs 174 pounds.
Fossier's on ice awareness was a big selling point to Coach Gendron,
"Mitch Fossier has exceptional hockey sense. His ability to read plays, make
excellent decisions with the puck, and to be in the right position defensively will be
of great value to us."
Jake Pappalardo, Center, Proctor Academy (US High School)
Jake Pappalardo (1997 Birth Year) comes to the University of Maine by way
of Proctor Academy. At Proctor, Pappalardo has 44 goals and 57 assists for 101
points in 64 career games. The Salem, New Hampshire native was also a member of
Team Grey at the 2015 USA Hockey Select 17 National Development Camp where he
tallied four goals and three assists in five games. The right-handed Center stands at 5'10" 181
pounds and was a 12th round selection of the Fargo Force in the USHL Entry Draft.
Coach Gendron sees Pappalardo as being an intricate piece offensively,
"Jake Pappalardo has a nose for the net. There is no doubt in my mind that his
overall sense and his instincts around the net will lead to an outstanding offensive
career."
The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
-UMaine-
