Auburn, ME - The Central Maine Community College hockey team had a fantastic turnout at the 4th annual Prospect Skate this past weekend, adding to the optimism surrounding the team as the campus readies for the return of students for the 2019-20 year. The skate, which was open to any incoming recruits and prospective players, saw 19 skaters and 3 goaltenders stepping out of the summer heat into Norway Savings Bank Arena for 90 minutes of drills and scrimmage. 

"It was great to see such a strong turnout," said Mustangs head coach Matt Buotte. "We had a lot of incoming recruits that it was great to get together for the first time. I really liked what I saw. It was a great day of hockey, just getting to see everyone and getting out on the ice. It had been too long."

Players came from all over, with many coming from Maine and New Hampshire with one recruit--incoming defenseman River Yearwood--coming from as far as Maryland.

"It was great to see River make the trip," said Buotte. "I think it shows a lot about where the program is heading. Guys are a bit more committed, a bit more invested. That kind of stuff is contagious. I think it was a great skate for recruits to see what we're all about and also to set the tone for the coming season."

After the conclusion of the event players and coaches descended to athletic director Dave Gonyea's house, located on campus, for burgers and hot dogs. Gonyea, who is also the men's basketball coach and director of security and housing, traded his many hats around campus for a chefs hat as the newest Mustang hockey players got a taste of the community feel of the Central Maine campus.

"I was happy to see such a great turnout," said Gonyea of the event. "This year's team seems like a real great group of guys. It was great to meet some of the incoming Mustangs and many of those who are considering making the jump. It's a great event that we're happy to host."

The team will now disperse as the summer grinds down. All athletes report to campus on the evening of Thursday, August 22nd with orientation slated for August 23rd. The Mustangs official 2019-20 roster and full schedule is slated to be announced in mid-September.