Center commits to play for Bears Johnson likes Alfond atmosphere

Center Keith Johnson, younger brother of Boston University junior center Gregg Johnson, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine and play for the Black Bear ice hockey team rather than join his brother at BU.

“I liked both schools. Both programs are top-notch. But I felt more comfortable at Maine,” said Johnson, who plays for the New England Coyotes of the New England Junior Hockey League and has four goals and two assists in their first four games.

“I wanted to take my brother out of the equation. If I went to BU, I’d have only a year with him. And that would only be if he decides to go back, which he probably will,” said Johnson, who was recruited by several Division I schools.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Johnson said he found the atmosphere to be “awesome” at Maine’s recent 2-1 exhibition win over the University of New Brunswick during the Black Bear Classic.

Johnson also said he knew Maine was graduating seven senior forwards after this season and BU will only graduate three.

“That was definitely a big part of it, too,” said the 18-year-old Johnson, a native of Windsor, Conn.

New England Coyotes coach Lincoln Flagg said the Bears are getting “a real impact player.”

“Keith is a good playmaking center and he competes very hard every night,” said Flagg.

Flagg said Johnson had 54 points last season, which set a Coyotes rookie record.

Under NCAA guidelines, members of the Maine coaching staff aren’t allowed to comment on Johnson.

His coming to Maine is contingent upon his meeting entrance requirements.

Husson football scrimmage today

The Husson College football team will play its last intra-squad scrimmage on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. at the practice field on the Husson campus in Bangor.

The public is welcome to attend.

Coach Gabby Price and his Braves will play their first game next fall.