Auburn, ME - The Central Maine Community College hockey club is thrilled to announce the commitment of Sam Alexander, head coach Matt Buotte has announced. Alexander, an exciting two-way forward, most recently played for the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs in the USPHL.
Originally deciding to hang up his skates and attend Southern Maine Community College, Alexander quickly realized that he was missing the sport. After speaking with Buotte and touring the campus he made the decision to make the leap to Central Maine for the second semester of the 2019-20 season and continue on a degree program in Auburn as a criminal justice major.
"I didn't end up playing juniors this year because I wanted to begin my education," said Alexander of his commitment. "After talking to Coach Buotte I saw that Central Maine has a competitive hockey program and a great criminal justice program. It was an easy decision."
Alexander, a Harpswell native, comes to the Mustangs with a pedigree for leadership and a penchant for scoring. While captaining his high school team as a senior he would register 21 points in 15 games while leading his club to the postseason. From there he would begin his junior career in New Hampshire, where he jumped to the Monarchs Elite program. He would start his junior career with guns blazing, scoring in his first two games for a Monarchs team that would win it's division with a 36-7-0 record. His season would be cut short by injury, however, and he would see just six total games in his first year with the club. After originally planning to return to the team he would pivot to begin his education. From there, the itch to play started to tug at him.
"With hockey, the camaraderie is like no other," he said. "I've made some lifelong friends through hockey. I missed it. It holds you accountable, from your actions on the ice to what you do in the classroom. I have been around the team a lot this semester and I have not been part of a more closely knit group. Day in, day out the guys give everything they've got because they know the guy next to them would do anything for them. I want to be a part of that."
For the Mustangs, who struggled offensively at times during an up-and-down first semester that saw them finish at 5-9-1, Alexander's offensive prowess will be a welcome addition to the club. For Buotte, who is in his second year at the helm of the program, the opportunity to bring in a top-tier recruit such as Alexander is an exciting one.
"It's a really great day for our program and a great reason for optimism," said Buotte of the newest recruit. "To add a player like Sam down the stretch is going to change the dynamic of our team. He's already been around the guys a lot so I think he'll integrate in seamlessly. He's a great kid, a great hockey player. It says a lot about where our program is headed when we can get guys like Sam in here, who are not only talented players but great students and great people, and help them accomplish their goals. I'm excited to have Sam as part of our college and as we continue to progress."
According to Alexander, it was the growing optimism around the program that attracted him to the school, in addition to the immaculate facilities and resources in the classrooms.
"The hockey team here is extremely lucky," he continued. "Between our own lockers, the gear the school provides, the buses we take to game...the school shows they really care about their athletic programs. It helps us to not worry about anything else other than being the best student and athlete we can be."
The fans first opportunity to see Alexander and his new teammates will come on Friday, January 24th when the team returns to play Dartmouth to kick off the second semester. Big Green comes to Auburn after a sizzling first semester that saw them go 10-0-1 in ACHA play. Alexander, who also volunteered at learn to play programs and helped coach youth baseball while in high school, figures to fit into the vibrant Central Maine Community well.
"The thing that helped me make my decision to come to Central Maine was the outpouring of support from the community and the school that the hockey team receives," he said. "Having that support adds another level of energy to the games and gives you pride to wear the Mustangs jersey."
