The University of Maine hockey team has landed forward Carlos Amestoy for its recruiting class in 2010.
Amestoy, a 16-year-old from Toronto, has committed verbally to Maine. He is 5-foot-7 and possesses elite speed and hands, according to his coach, Mike Galati of the Toronto Red Wings, a peewee major team.
Maine coaches cannot comment on verbal commitments.
"He skates like the wind," said Galati. "I know the size is the first thing you see, but when you watch him? He's in the biggest games against the best teams and he's still the best player on the ice."
Galati said Amestoy also is very strong for his size but that his quickness sets him apart.
"Carlos does everything at top speed," said Galati. "He has great hands. Some guys can't (use them) at top speed. He can."
Amestoy attended two games at Alfond Arena with his team in October and loved the campus.
"I actually spoke to one of the people who came to watch," said Amestoy. "They said they had driven five hours to watch the game. It was kind of cool to hear. I thought the campus was beautiful, and the game environment was great -- the band, everyone cheering."
It has become more common in the last five or so years for players 16 and even 15 to commit verbally to college programs.
Lewiston native Mark Anthoine committed to play at Maine last winter when he was 16. He plays for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League and is expected to enter Maine in 2009.
Defenseman Kevin Gagne, a 15-year-old from New Brunswick, committed to Maine early this winter. He is expected to join the team in 2010.
"I've watched (Amestoy) improve and improve, and I think he has a future in college," said Galati. "I didn't expect it this early, but he's an elite player up here. And it's getting a lot more popular up here to go the college route."
Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at:
jmenendez@pressherald.com
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