Auburn, ME – The Central Maine Community College hockey team has improved their forward corps, adding local product Jonah Bird to the fold for 2020-21, head coach Matt Buotte has announced. Bird, a Gorham, Maine native, dawns the Mustang red and black after a dynamic senior year where he tailed 23 points in 18 games to help the Rams to their second consecutive Class B South semi-final. Bird also skated for the Maine Wild in 2019-20, appearing in seven NA3HL games.
"I'm thrilled to add Jonah to the line-up," said third-year head coach Matt Buotte. "We struggled to score at times last year, so we wanted to add some depth up front. Jonah checked a lot of boxes for what we're looking for. He can shoot and will go to the net, something we desperately needed."
Jonah will join his older brother, Noah, who was announced last week as an incoming goaltender transfer for 2020-21.
"I took a tour of CM with my brother and we were both blown away by how nice the campus is," Bird said. "There are so many great opportunities for students to be successful. Central Maine was the right choice for me both in athletics and academics."
Bird, a left-handed forward who scored 14 goals and tied for the team lead in points, also served as a captain for the Rams his senior season. His productive season was rewarded with an appearance in the 2020 Class B South senior all-star game. He joins a long line of players with Gorham ties in lacing up the skates at Central Maine, including his high school assistant coach and former Mustang captain Shawn Sullivan. He also joins current Mustangs forward Tanner Garand in black and red.
Bird is an avid golfer who is also "deeply invested" in his fantasy football league. A well-rounded student, he also enjoys video production and was recently featured with several classmates in the Portland Press Herald for his work in a COVID-19 public service announcement video called "Protect Nana" that encouraged social distancing in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
"Jonah is going to be a great addition to the campus," said Buotte of the teams new recruit. "Obviously we like his ability as a player, but one of the biggest things we've focused on since I've gotten here is getting student-athletes with character. Jonah is a great kid on and off the ice and he's going to be a phenomenal addition to our group. I can't wait to get him into the room."
The newest Mustang feels the same way.
"I'm looking forward to playing at the college level and proving to people I can compete," said Bird of the opportunity. "I can't wait to meet the boys and help my team be successful. I'm extremely excited for my next chapter at CMCC and I can't wait for the season to start."
