University of Maine freshman winger Jon Jankus has left the hockey program to return to his native Stoney Creek, Ontario.

The 18-year-old Jankus, Maine’s youngest player, had scored one goal in nine games but hadn’t played in the last four. Maine has played 16 games.

“He was having trouble adjusting to the academic demands of college life so he has decided to return home, play junior hockey and take a couple of [college] classes,” said Maine interim head coach Tim Whitehead. “It had nothing to do with the hockey. I love the way he plays. He’s a real good hockey player. He’s tough and that’s something we need. He’s a great kid.”

Whitehead did acknowledge that Jankus’ academic problems did affect his play in recent weeks.

He was minus-seven which was the worst on the team. A player receives a plus-one if his team scores an even-strength goal when he’s on the ice and a minus-one if his team gives up an even-strength goal.

The Maine coach said he would like to have Jankus back next fall and he intends to stay in touch with him to monitor his progress.

He doesn’t anticipate Jankus playing Major Junior hockey, which would cost him his college eligibility because it involves receiving financial stipends.

“He knows the importance of a degree,” said Whitehead.