Auburn, ME - Central Maine Community College Athletic Direcor, Dave Gonyea, is excited to announce Matt Buotte as the new Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach for the 2018-2019 season.

Buotte is a lifelong Mainer who has deep ties to the hockey community in the state. After graduating from Westbrook High School in 2007, where he served as team captain for three years, he attended Bridgton Academy for a postgraduate year where he continued his ice hockey career. From Bridgton Academy, he then earned a bachelor's degree in communications at the University of New England where he graduated in 2012.

Buotte began coaching at the age of 19 and for his entire six-year tenure as head coach of Cape Elizabeth High School was the youngest head coach in Class B South, compiling a 60-50-8 record and six consecutive playoff appearances. In his final year at Cape Elizabeth, the team went 15-3-2 and reached the conference final for the first time in 9 years.

Buotte has coached at many levels outside of high school, including U14, U16, and U18 Tier II travel and has also worked with local learn to skate programs and has spent several full summers working hockey camps around the country.

"I just love the sport, I love being at the rink and getting to work with the guys," remarked Buotte. "Hockey is an incredible game and to be able to coach in the hockey capital of New England at a first class school like Central Maine is a fantastic opportunity. I look forward to seeing how far we can take the program."

According to Gonyea, "We are delighted Matt is coming aboard. He is coming to our program at a critical time. In two short years, we have learned, grown, and made our share of mistakes. Matt has the opportunity to take the program to the next level and showcase our players. His player relationships are positive and is the right person at the right time to move us forward."

Outside of hockey, Buotte works professionally as a disability insurance underwriter. He is an avid fan of music and the outdoors. He currently resides in South Portland with his girlfriend and their dog, Slugger.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to coach at a Central Maine," Buotte said. "The facilities, the academics, the campus…it's a wonderful place and I can't wait to get going."