Auburn, ME. - The Central Maine Community College hockey team continued its banner summer, adding hulking Maine Moose defenseman Warren Karlberg to the fold for the 2019-20 season. Karlberg, a Gardiner, Maine native was a pivotal part in the Maine Moose U18 national championship victory in San Jose this past April.
Karlberg, who is listed at 6'0" and 190 pounds, plays a physical, shutdown brand of defense. Before playing for the Moose in 2018-19, he competed with the Lewiston/Auburn Nordiques in 2017-18. He played locally at Gardiner High School for his freshman year, named to the all-rookie team in 2016.
"I actually voted for him for all-rookie team," joked Mustangs head coach Matt Buotte. "When I was coaching Maine high school I had a lot of respect for him as a player. I remember talking about how much promise he had. Now that he's fulfilled a lot of that potential, I'm absolutely ecstatic we get to reap the benefits at Central Maine. He's a great hockey player and a great fit for our club."
Karlberg, a left-handed shot who has been with the Moose program in some capacity for over seven years, is looking forward to the challenges of college hockey that lie ahead. After registering 8 points in 22 games with the club last year--as well as leading the team in penalty minutes--the Mustangs coaching staff is expecting their latest recruit to take a step forward in rounding out his all-around game.
"Warren is going to offer more offensively than his stats might indicate," said Buotte. "He's got a hard shot and is smart with the puck. We love puck-moving defenseman, as do all coaches, and we expect Warren to excel there. He's going to give us that physical, tough presence on the back end and help us get the breakout going. I'm really expecting a massive season from him."
The towering blue liner intends to study construction technology when classes resume in the fall. The decision to attend Central Maine to do so was an easy one, he said.
"I heard about CMCC through my guidance counselor," said Karlberg. "I was attracted to the campus and all of the opportunities here at such an affordable price. I'm looking forward to learning new things and having new experiences. It should be a great fit."