The University of Maine men’s hockey team has continued to address its scoring needs by receiving a verbal commitment from forward Carlos Amestoy beginning in the fall of 2010.

The 5-foot-7, 150-pound Amestoy had 30 goals and more than 70 points in 43 games for the Toronto Red Wings in the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Minor Midget AAA league, according to Red Wings coach Mike Galati.

“He’s one of the most skilled players I’ve seen,” said Galati. “He has lightning-speed and a great release on his shot. He’s going to be a fan favorite.”

Although Amestoy is small, Galati said he plays “like he’s eight feet tall. He’s tough. He’ll take a hit and he can dish one out.”

Galati said Amestoy played in all situations and was “responsible defensively.” He was also “one of our hardest workers.”

Amestoy and his team visited the University of Maine’s Alfond Arena in October to play a few games and said he was “really impressed with the campus. It was quiet and peaceful. It was a gorgeous campus.”

They saw the Black Bears play Mercyhurst and he said the “environment was fantastic…the crowd, the band. Everything was great.”

The 16-year-old Amestoy said he will play Tier II Junior A hockey next season and he is deciding between three teams.

He said he intends to work on his strength and conditioning over the next two seasons in preparation for his Black Bear career.

His coming to Maine will be contingent upon his acceptance into school and his meeting NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

UM women’s hockey signs two

Forward Myriam Croussette and defenseman Ashley Norum have signed letters of intent to play for the University of Maine women’s ice hockey team, head coach Dan Lichterman announced Tuesday.

Crousette, 5-foot-5 from Baie-Comeau, Quebec, just completed her second season at Dawson College, which is similar to a junior college or prep school, in Montreal. She totaled 24 goals and 30 assists in 26 games last season.

Norum, 5-9 from Fairbanks, Alaska, also just finished her second season with the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vt., where she recorded 14 goals and 29 assists in two season.

To play at Maine, the players need to be accepted into the school and meet NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

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