Ben Guite, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound right wing whose father, Pierre, played seven years in the World Hockey Association, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine.

Guite had 58 goals and 58 assists in 67 games for the Capital District Selects (N.Y.). The Selects, coached by Jim Salfi, father of former Maine winger Kent Salfi, played an independent schedule that even included games against college JV teams.

Guite, a native of LaSalle, Quebec, turned down full scholarships to UMass-Lowell, Merrimack, RPI and Miami of Ohio to attend Maine on a partial scholarship for the first year.

“I was impressed by the environment at Maine,” said Guite. “It seemed so professional compared to the other programs I visited. The environment seemed perfect for developing all my skills to the maximum. And I want to win a national championship.”

He said even though he won’t get the financial package he would at one of the other schools next year, Maine is where he wants to be.

“It’s definitely worth it,” said the 17-year-old Guite.

Salfi said Guite has “magnificant hands and a very accurate shot. He’s a natural goal scorer. He has very deceptive speed and is very strong.”

Salfi added that Guite has an impressive work ethic and feels he can be an impact player if he gets enough ice time.