The University of Maine men’s hockey program, trying to add some offense for next season, has received verbal commitments from two forwards in the Eastern Junior Hockey League.

Brian Flynn, who plays for the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, and Kyle Solomon, who played for the Junior Bruins, will attend Maine next fall.

Both can play win or center.

The 19-year-old Flynn, a 6-foot, 175-pound native of Lynnfield, Mass., had 26 goals and 19 assists in 41 regular-season games for the Monarchs, including six power-play goals.

The 5-11, 190-pound Solomon, a 20-year-old native of Southampton, N.Y., had 17 & 25 in 33 games for the Junior Bruins, including 21 power-play points (6 & 15).

Former Black Bears winger Bob Corkum, the associate head coach with the Monarchs, said Flynn is a “huge pickup for Maine.”

“He’s got one of the quickest sticks I’ve ever seen in junior hockey,” said Corkum. “He’s a highly skilled kid who can fly. He has a great touch around the net.”

“He’s very gifted offensively. Once he fills out and learns more about the defensive zone, he’ll be an impact player,” added Corkum.

Corkum has coached against Solomon and feels he has an upside.

“He’s an energy guy who has decent hands and plays the body,” said Corkum.

Flynn said he selected Maine over Merrimack and he had also talked to Union College (N.Y.) and Providence.

“I really liked the whole atmosphere at Maine and the tradition,” said Flynn who was also impressed with the business school.

Solomon chose Maine over Union College and is excited to begin his college career.

“I liked everything about Maine,” said Solomon. “The facilities are unbelievable, the coaching staff is the nicest group of guys I’ve ever met.”

“It seems like a great place to play. Everybody loves being there,” added Solomon, who manned the point on the power play and is adept at one-timing the puck.

Solomon is fast but said he wants to continue working on his speed.

Solomon and Flynn both know Maine will graduate six of its top seven scorers so jobs will be up for grabs.

“It’s a great situation. Hopefully, I’ll be able to step in and help the team win some games,” said Solomon.

Flynn and Solomon coming to Maine is dependent upon their acceptance into the school and meeting NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.

lmahoney@bangordailynews.net

990-8231