The University of Maine men’s hockey program has had players from all over the globe during its 29-year existence.

Next fall, the Bears will have their first Floridian.

Tony Morrone, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla., has verbally committed to attend Maine.

Morrone, a right-shot left winger, is in his fourth season playing for the South Kent School (Conn.) and is the third leading scorer in the New England Prep School League’s Division I with 12 goals and 23 assists in 15 games. He led the league in scoring last year with 28 goals and 33 assists in 31 games.

Morrone chose Maine over Boston University. He also visited Providence College and the University of Vermont.

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to get up there and get started,” said the 5-foot-10, 192-pound Morrone.

He said he decided to choose the school where he felt the most comfortable.

“Everyone was up-front with me and the coaches care about you. I really felt at home up there. It was a great experience,” said Morrone, who visited during Maine’s sweep of defending two-time national champion Denver on Oct. 14-15.

“I felt like a person at Maine as opposed to other schools where you just feel like a number,” added Morrone. “And the atmosphere at Alfond Arena is second to none. The character and the school spirit everybody has up there is amazing.”

South Kent School coach Geoff Marottolo said Morrone, the team’s captain, “can do it all. He’s one of the best players in New England. He’s an amazing story. He didn’t start playing hockey until he was 12.”

“He can skate with anyone. They’re going to love his explosiveness. He’s pretty electric,” said Marottolo. “He’s a tough kid with great hands who loves to dish the puck.”