Left wing Gustav Nyquist, who has played for the Sweden Under-18 and Under-17 national teams, is one of five players who signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Maine on hockey scholarships next fall.

The others are United States National Team Development Program Under-18 teammates Ryan Hegarty and Kelen Corkum and Omaha Lancers (United States Hockey League) teammates Joey Diamond and Will O’Neill.

Hegarty and O’Neill are defensemen while Corkum and Diamond are forwards.

Their coming to Maine is contingent upon their acceptance into the school and meeting NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

“We’re very pleased with this recruiting class. We’ve added some elite-level players. But our work is not done,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “I love all of these players coming in. They can all make a positive impact on our team right away.”

Nyquist was the leading scorer in the Swedish Elite Under-20 league before suffering a broken collarbone. He has 9 goals and 19 assists in 20 games for Malmo.

“We are thrilled Gustav chose Maine,” Whitehead said. “He has great speed and skill. He will impact our team right away in all situations.”

Nyquist had 21 goals and 23 assists in 42 games for Malmo last season.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Hegarty, a native of Arlington, Mass., has 3 goals and 4 assists in 16 games for the U.S. Under-18 team.

“He’s a tough competitor who will help us both offensively and defensively. He has a heavy shot and he uses his toughness to protect the front of his net and win loose pucks,” said Whitehead, who had similar feelings for the 6-foot-1, 205-pound O’Neill.

O’Neill is from Salem, Mass. and has three assists in 14 games for the Lancers.

“Will is a very complete player,” said Whitehead. “He brings a tough edge to him. He’s physical and can make plays with the puck as well. He’ll clear the front of his net and win loose pucks.”

The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Diamond, who is from Long Beach, N.Y., combines consistent grit with ability. He has 3 goals and 2 assists in seven games for Omaha.

“He’s a very physical player with very good skill,” said Whitehead. “He’s great in tight areas. He has the courage to make plays in traffic.”

The 6-foot, 175-pound Corkum, son of former Bear standout Bob Corkum, has two assists in 16 games for the Under-18s. He is from Newburyport, Mass.

“Kelen has tons of potential to develop at Maine,” said Whitehead. “He skates well, he’ll block shots and win loose pucks. He plays a physical game and he’ll surprise you with his skill. He has really emerged as a good two-way player.”

In addition to these five players, Maine will also gain the services of Dartmouth College transfer Kevin Swallow and Veazie’s Nick Payson, who are practicing with the team as redshirts this season.

Swallow will have two years of eligibility and Payson will have four.