Defenseman Gagne, 15, commits to Black Bears Coach: New Brunswick native is ‘special player’

Kevin Gagne, a 15-year-old defenseman who plays for the Rothesay Netherwood School in Rothesay, New Brunswick, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine beginning with the 2010-2011 season. He will be a scholarship athlete.

The 5-foot-8, 155-pound Gagne is from Edmunston, New Brunswick. He has registered 34 points in 15 games according to his coach, former New York Rangers scout Jamie McDonald.

“The fans of the Black Bears are really going to enjoy this fellow,” said McDonald. “He’s very dynamic. He’s a very explosive skater with exceptional separation skills. He can get from point A to point B in a real hurry. He has excellent hockey sense and very good hands.

“He’s a special player. Maine is fortunate to get him,” added McDonald. “Over the next 24 months, he’s got to put on 15-20 pounds to play at that level.”

Gagne said he had been contacted by several schools but decided to choose Maine for a number of reasons.

“I want to be able to combine education and hockey and Maine is a great place to do that,” said Gagne. “I liked the school and I liked the way the team played. The coaches are really nice.”

Gagne added that he enjoyed the atmosphere at the Alfond Arena during a game.

Another factor was the proximity to Orono for his family.

“It’s only a three, three-and-a-half-hour drive,” said Gagne.

His playing at Maine is contingent upon his admission into the school and his meeting NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

Gagne said he intends to work on his strength in the years to come as well as his defensive play and that he is excited about coming to Maine.