ORONO, Maine - - Junior captain Chase Pearson and sophomore defenseman Brady Keeper both signed NHL entry-level contracts on Monday. Pearson signed with the Detroit Red Wings, while Keeper signed with the Florida Panthers.

Keeper appeared in 36 games this year, leading all Black Bears defensemen in goals (7), assists (15) and points (22). The 6-foot-0, 202-pound native of Cross Lake, Manitoba, played two seasons for Maine, appearing in 73 games and producing 44 points (13-31-44).

Head coach Red Gendron on Keeper, "Brady Keeper possesses extraordinary feel for the offensive elements of the game. He instinctively knows when to move the puck, when to hold it, where to move it, where and when to skate to space to get the puck from a teammate, and possesses an elite shot." Gendron went on to say, "he is a gritty competitor who defends at a very high level as well.  He's earned his opportunity and did so while also being a great teammate and quiet leader. We will miss all he brought to our team, but we are also very happy for him."

Pearson totaled 78 points (37-41-78), a plus-18 rating and 132 penalty minutes in 107 games over three seasons. In 2018-19, Pearson notched a collegiate career-high 29 points (16-13-29) and ranked among Maine leaders with 16 goals, 13 assists, 29 points, a plus-21 rating. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward was also second on the team in scoring in 2017-18 with 27 points (7-20-27) in 37 games and was named to the end-of-year America East All-Star Honorable Mention team and All-Academic Team.

Coach Gendron was quoted saying, "Chase Pearson has been a two year captain on our team while developing his game so that all who watch him play recognize that he is an elite power forward at the college level. He has skill, sense, and a very good shot." Continuing on Pearson, "he is also a 200 foot player, as good defensively as he is offensively. We will miss his leadership, his skill, and commitment to excellence.  At the same time we are extremely happy for him."

-UMaine-