May 18, 2007

AMHERST, Mass. - Coming off its most successful season to date, UMass Hockey Coach Don Cahoon announced this week the addition of several incoming players to the Minuteman Hockey family. Noting the strength of the recent recruiting classes, Cahoon acknowledged that some may choose to delay enrollment for a season in order to further balance UMass' future recruiting goals.

"Speed and skill are the two main characteristics of this particular group," said Cahoon. "We were also proactive in completing a strong group of goaltenders, something we know is pivotal to the success of this program."

"In our efforts to replace Jon Quick, we first looked to current freshman Dan Meyers and we know he'll contribute. I am pleased with the efforts of my staff in making sure the loss wasn't catastrophic. Finding goaltenders that could support Meyers--people pivotal to his own development as well--was a priority. It was the most important position to secure, and we did that successfully."

Paul Dainton is a 5'11, 190 lb. netminder from Genelle, British Columbia and most recently played for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL. The co-MVP of the Oil Barons, Dainton held a 13-6-4 record on the season with a 2.42 GAA and .916 sv%. In 2005-06 with the Port Hope Predators (OPJHL), Dainton was a two-time All-Star with a 34-5-3 overall record along with a 2.13 GAA and .922 sv%.

"Paul is going to be the productive player we were looking for," said Cahoon. "In looking at his win-loss record, his save percentage and his other stats--in addition to his competitiveness--it suggests that he'll be a fine player at this level."

National Letters of Intent have been secured for nine more individuals: seven forwards and two defensemen. David Boehm, Danny Hobbs, Matthew Irwin, Brian Keane, Douglas Kublin, Chase Langeraap, Michael Lecomte, James Marcou, and Timothy "T.J." Syner.

Boehm spent the last season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, scoring 12 goals and 17 assists in 55 games played. A 5'10, 160 lb. right-hander from Naples, Fla., Boehm also spent time with the Boston Jr. Bruins.

"David can best be characterized as a clever goal scorer," said Cahoon. "That skill will be well utilized at the forward position."

Hobbs is a 6'0, 185 lb. left shot forward with the Columbus Junior Blue Jackets of the USHL. The Shawville, Quebec forward closed out the season in the top-five of team scoring with 10 goals and 11 assists in 60 games.

"Danny is a `pro-prototype' player," said Cahoon. "He's a big, strong, tall body and will be a good offensive player at this level."

Irwin is considered one of the top defensemen in the BCHL, with the Brentwood Bay, B.C. native currently playing with the Nanaimo Clippers. A 6'1, 190 lb. left-hander, Irwin racked up 35 goals and 38 assists in 150 career games for Nanaimo.

"Matt is a `very good get' with both offensive and defensive upside," said Cahoon. "Fans will see some similarities between him and current captain Mike Kostka."

Brian Keane was announced previously, having spent time with the Indiana Ice of the USHL as well as the Chicago Steel. The 5'10, 165 lb. forward from Shortsville, N.Y. split time with the two teams in 2006-07, combining for nine goals and six assists.

"Brian is a fast-skating, two-way transition-type player," said Cahoon. "Speed is a characteristic of this class, and Brian demonstrates this well. He plays a high-tempo game and we can see him taking on a centerman role at Massachusetts"

Kublin, a left-shot defenseman with the New York Applecore of the EJHL, has three goals and 27 assists in 78 games played in the juniors. A 5'11 , 175 lb. Manilus, N.Y. resident, Kublin is one of two blueliners that the UMass staff brought in.

"Irwin might remind fans of Kostka, but Kublin is a David Leaderer type," said Cahoon. "He's a very young and very competitive defenseman."

Langeraap is a 6'3, 220 lb. winger with the Oakville Blades. He netted 37 goals and 35 assists during the 2006-07 season to sit at No. 2 on the team. Langeraap hails from Cayuga, N.Y.

"Chase has exceptional hand skills and passing skills," said Cahoon. "With his size, he'll step into the winger role here at UMass."

Lecomte comes to UMass from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, having played with current Minuteman Martin Nolet at Champlain College. The 5'9, 160 lb. center was Champlain's MVP in 2006-07, scoring 25 goals and 48 assists to lead his team.

"Michael a great skater and is highly-skilled," said Cahoon. "He's a tremendous competitor and plays with a high energy level."

Marcou also was previously announced, the leading scorer for the USHL Division-winning Waterloo Blackhawks. The 5'8, 150 lb. native of Kings Park, N.Y., Marcou had 24 goals and 47 assists for 71 points as a winger in 2006-07.

"He's small and dynamic," said Cahoon. "A fan favorite. James is an incredibly clever player. A gifted playmaker."

Syner is UMass' local recruit, hailing from Springfield, Mass. and having played with the Junior Falcons. In 43 games played, the 5'9, 170 lb. wing had seven goals and seven assists.

"'T.J' is the latest of our local recruits, right out of Springfield," said Cahoon. "He is an absolutely explosive speedster with good puck skills."

Stay tuned to UMassAthletics.com for additional information on the incoming recruits, as well as the release of the 2007-08 season schedule.