The University of Maine’s hockey program has had players from several European countries including Sweden, Finland, Scotland, Austria and Switzerland.

They will have their first Danish player next season.

Nicholas Phillips, who played for the Danish National Junior team this past winter and played junior hockey in Sweden, has verbally committed to attend Maine.

“He’s got NHL speed and he’s quick right off the get-go,” said Ken Babey, who coaches the Danish National Junior team. “He’s very skilled and he’s an intelligent player. He’s suited to the college game because of his speed and intelligence. He will have a good impact on the team.

“He’s more of a playmaker than a scorer and he’s a strong defensive player. He’s an excellent penalty-killer. He’s a good two-way player,” added Babey. “He’s a little bit of a diamond in the rough. He isn’t close to reaching his potential yet. Over four years, he could really develop into a strong player.”

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Phillips is a right-hand shot, right winger who would have played on one of Denmark’s top two lines if he hadn’t gotten injured just before the World Junior B Pool Championships, according to Babey.

Babey said there were “two or three other [Division I] schools” that talked to the 19-year-old Phillips.

He is also a good student and a coachable player who keeps himself in good physical shape, said Babey.

Phillips’ coming to Maine is dependent upon his acceptance into the school and his meeting NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

He is the sixth forward in the incoming class as Maine coach Tim Whitehead and his staff will try to replace five graduating forwards who appeared in more than 125 career games apiece.

Maine adds two coaches

Joe Rossi and Frank Giufre have joined the University of Maine football team staff. Rossi will coach defensive backs while Giufre will work with offensive linemen.

Rossi comes to UMaine after six seasons assisting at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa. He was defensive coordinator the last four years. He replaces Andy Rondo, who will be defensive coordinator for former UMaine offensive coordinator and associate head coach Bobby Wilder, who left to become ODU’s head coach.

Giufre has been offensive line coach at Sacred Heart University the last three seasons. Giufre takes over for Brian Scott, who left to become offensive coordinator at Old Dominion University.

Husson reschedules schedules

The Husson College baseball and softball teams have had to reschedule their already rescheduled schedules yet again due to the most recent April snowstorm.

The baseball team will play doubleheaders Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Husson will play Thomas College at 1 p.m. Friday, the University of Maine-Farmington at noon Saturday, and the University of Southern Maine noon Sunday at Winkin Complex on campus. If Friday’s games with Thomas are postponed, it will be moved to Sunday and the USM games will be rescheduled.

The softball team has only lost one game off the schedule to weather, but had to move Thursday’s games to Maine Maritime Academy. Saturday’s game against Wheelock College will also be played in Castine at 5:30 p.m.