ORONO, Maine – Forward Thomas Freel of the University of Maine men's ice hockey team has signed a professional contract with the Iowa Heartlanders (ECHL), the organization announced on Friday night.

 The Heartlanders are the ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and Iowa Wild (AHL).
 
Freel, a senior, skated in 145 games over his four years as a Black Bear. Freel scored 23 goals and added 46 assists for 69 career points while also potting 12 power-play goals, four game-winning goals and one short-handed goal. The Aberdeen, Scotland native blocked 85 shots and a plus-17 career rating.
 
Freel captained the Black Bears this season after serving as an alternate captain during the 2024-25 season.
 
-UMaine-