Auburn, ME - Men's Hockey Coach Kevin Cady announced today that 19-year-old Keagan Crawley will compete for the Mustangs inaugural ice hockey team at the Norway Savings Bank Arena during 2016-2017 ACHA Division II competition. Crawley, a 6'3" 170 lbs hard hitting defenseman, hails from Cumberland, Rhode Island and played this past season for the USP3HL's Charlotte Rush in North Carolina. In 21 games Crawley tallied a respectable 3 goals and 7 helpers for 10 points and 24 penalty minutes.
"As part of our evaluation process we brought in as many CM prospects to play against top prospects in U-20 college and junior showcase tournaments in New England this spring and summer. We were impressed with Keegan's size and skill on defense. He is an impact player who crushes opponents with spectacular hits and is savvy with the puck. We are looking for him to be a top two defenseman on our blue line during even strength and on specialty teams. We also feel Central Maine is the optimal learning institution for Keagan as a student-athlete. I guarantee Keagan Crawley will be a fan favorite on the ice."
Keagan responded to the questions below:
CM: Why did you choose CM?
Keagan: I chose CM because I am dyslexic and I felt that the staff really wanted to help me learn and make my college experience positive. I needed a school who would not only help me with my learning disability but, would also foster my love of hockey. I met Coach Cady, and he assured me, that CM would be a great fit for me both educationally and going forward with my hockey goals.
CM: What did you like most about the campus?
Keagan: What I liked most about the CM campus was the fact that it had the feel of a bigger college, but everything was on a smaller scale. It wasn´t so overwhelming. I really liked the fact that the kids living on campus would all know each other, and hopefully would form lifelong friendships. I liked that the rink is only a mile away from the campus, and is clean and seems new.
CM: How do you think playing college hockey will differ from your previous experience?
Keagan: I played Junior hockey last year, so I expect that college hockey will be a lot like that with less fights. I know from my previous experience that speed is a huge factor for playing at this level.
CM: What are you most looking forward to about attending and playing hockey at CM?
Keagan: I am looking forward to focusing on my degree and meeting my teammates. As hockey brothers, we form a true bond, that is very difficult to break. I am looking forward to being a leader, not only in the defensive zone for my team, but in every aspect of our team play on and off the ice.
CM: What do you think you can bring to the team next year?
Keagan: I look forward to bringing great team spirit with my never say die attitude on the ice. I bring a positive role model on the ice, I work well as a team player and help lead the team in the defensive zone. From a very young age, my coaches in squirts noticed that playing D, I saw the entire ice and was able to put the puck on the stick of my teammates to make a play. I would like to continue to bring these things to my CM team.
Hockey Achievements
Won ¨States¨ back to back for Rhode Island, playing for the Woonsocket North Stars 2009 & 2010
Won ¨Districts¨ for North Carolina, playing for the Pineville Falcons 2012
Won Silver at ¨Nationals¨, playing for Charlotte Junior Checkers 2014
