Patrick McEachen, a hard-nosed defenseman from Stouffville, Ontario, has verbally committed to attend the University of Maine beginning in 2009.

The 16-year-old McEachen had 15 goals and 49 assists in 72 games for the North York Rangers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League this season.

He chose Maine over UMass, Harvard, Clarkson and Princeton.

McEachen said his cousin, Clarkson University senior left wing Mike Sullivan, helped sell him on choosing college hockey over Major Junior A based on his positive experiences at Clarkson.

“We visited Maine and you could tell how much the people in town and all over the state love the hockey [program],” said the 6-foot, 185-pound McEachen. “And I loved the facilities.”

North York coach Craig Tresham, who played for former Maine coach Jack Semler at Princeton, said McEachen is an exceptional student and person as well as hockey player.

“His academics are mirrored by his efforts on the ice. He’s a real character kid,” said Tresham. “There are two kinds of defensemen: ones who are OK to play against and ones you don’t like to play against. He’s one you don’t like to play against. He takes care of business in his own end and loves the physical stuff.

“He’s a solid skater. He’s a real smart shooter who gets the puck through [to the net]. And he has real good vision in the offensive zone,” added Tresham.

Treshman said McEachen works out religiously and probably would have been a second round pick in the Ontario Hockey League (Major Junior) draft if he hadn’t chosen the college route.

McEachen will play for Stouffville in the Ontario Provincial Hockey League next season.

Saucier to coach at UMaine

Former UMaine and Old Town field hockey standout Shaunessy Saucier has been hired as an assistant coach for the UM field hockey team, head coach Josette Babineau announced Friday.

“I am thrilled that Shaunessy has agreed to join the coaching staff,” said Babineau. “As an [alumna] of the program, she understands what it means to be a Black Bear field hockey player. She brings experience, passion and a love for the game and the program. I am very excited to work with Shaunessy.”

Saucier, a 2005 UMiane graduate, said she is honored to be part of the program.

“I would like to thank Josette, [Athletic Director] Blake James and President [Robert] Kennedy for giving me this unbelievable opportunity to coach my alma mater,” she said. “I look forward to working with Josette to continue the Maine field hockey tradition of success.”

Saucier played in 62 games for the Black Bears and totaled 13 goals and nine assists for 35. She was named to the America East second team in 2005. She was named to the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll and was also a UMaine Scholar-Athlete Award winner.

Ramsey named hockey captain

Travis Ramsey, who has emerged as one of the University of Maine’s most dependable stay-at-home defensemen, has been named captain of next year’s Black Bear hockey team. The announcement was made at Friday night’s banquet at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound native of Lakewood, Calif., who will be a senior next season, had eight assists in 40 games and shared the team lead in plus-minus with captain Michel Leveille at plus-8. A player receives a plus-one if he is on the ice when his team scores an even-strength or shorthanded goal and a minus-one of the opponent scores one.

Left wing Billy Ryan, who will be the top returning scorer with 33 points on 13 goals and 20 assists, and right wing Rob Bellamy (37 games, 1 & 7), Maine’s most physical player, will be the assistant captains. Both will be seniors.

Maine went 23-15-2 this past season and made its third Frozen Four appearance in four years. The Bears lost to eventual national champion Michigan State 4-2 in the semifinals.

Here is the list of award-winners: Harold Alfond Most Valuable Player Award (Leveille), Howard Neville Rookie of the Year (Teddy Purcell), Shawn Walsh Defensive Player (Mike Lundin), Richard Britt Coaches’ Perseverance (Mike Hamilton), Coca-Cola Three Star (Leveille), Jack Semler Most Improved Player (Hamilton), Dr. Dale Lick Academic Achievement (Chris Hahn), Ocean Properties Unsung Hero Award (Ramsey, Keith Johnson), Stein Award (Josh Soares), Bruce Griffin Memorial Award (Soares), Most Honored Opponent (goalie Jon Quick, UMass), Madeline Bacon Spirit (Dick Kelson), Friends of Maine Hockey Volunteer of the Year (Rodney Lajoie).