Auburn, ME - Head Hockey Coach, Kevin Cady, announced today that goaltender's Tyler Friel and Michael Jones intend to compete for open roster spots this fall. Central Maine continues to line-up key players which begins ACHA competition during the 2016-2017 season. "Both goalies attended our March prospect camp and impressed with their skill set and athleticism" said Coach Cady.
Friel, a standout goaltender for the Brewer High School Witches, has committed to Central Maine in the fall. At 6'0" and 215lbs, Freil was a standout two-sport athlete in football and ice hockey, and also excelled during his senior year in the classroom. Tyler graduated from Brewer High with academic honors, posting a 4.0 average. During the MPA 2015-2016 season, Tyler was 9-7-1 facing 496 shots while allowing only 39 goals and compiled a 2.28 goals against average with an impressive .921 save percentage.
Jones, a 6'1" 180lbs goaltender, graduated in 2015 from Legacy High School in Mansfield, Texas and played for Keller JVG U-19 in Texas. According to Keller JVG Head Coach David Miles, "Michael is a very focused individual. He knows what he wants and works to get there. He has strong technical skills. Michael reads the rink well and controls the puck appropriately. He had a strong season with our midget team. Michael's a quiet kid in the dressing room but gets along well with his teammates."
"We expect stiff competition in goal when training camp opens this August. Joshua Ehiorobo from Farmingdale and Kenny Miller from Loveland, Colorado will also be competing for playing time. A successful hockey team needs a solid foundation to build from. We believe the in-coming goalies will be a key component to our team success both on and off the ice" said special teams and goalie coach, Marc Gosselin.
According to Friel, "I chose CM because I love the campus and also how close the rink is to the college. What I like most about the campus is how most of the buildings are all the connected and how easy it is getting to different places."
On playing hockey at the collegiate level, "I think playing college hockey will differ from my previous experience because I'm going to have to build new friendships with my new teammates and build new trust. Also, the game will be a lot faster and more competitive. I can't wait to have a goalie coach to help the other goalies and I to improve our skills throughout the season. It will be a great new experience, and I am really looking forward to it. I think I can bring my great work ethic and leadership to the team next year. For example, when the team gets down on themselves, I will try and motivate them to work harder and show them that we can bounce back from a tough situation."
According to Jones, "CM has the programs I am interested in and offers an opportunity to continue playing hockey. The graphic communications department and the automotive department are great, and are both very intriguing. Also, the view around the campus is awesome. I am going to work hard on the ice and in the classroom, and I am excited to meet my new teammates, and all of the other people around campus. I've been playing hockey for over 13 years, and I know how important it is to bring a positive attitude and to be a team player.
The American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) is an organization of over 415 college and university affiliated hockey programs. Now celebrating its 24th season of existence, the ACHA provides structure, regulates operations, and promotes the quality of collegiate ice hockey. Since 1991 the ACHA has sent 18 players on to pro careers; including 12 to the NHL.
