Robert Michel has committed to the University of Maine

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Jr. Senators Hockey Club is pleased to announce that defenseman Robert Michel has committed to the University of Maine of the American East Conference for the 2015-16 season.

 

"Robert Michel is an outstanding player and person. Although this is only his second season with our hockey club, he has quickly established himself as one of our leaders," said Head Coach and General Manager Martin Dagenais. "Everyday, he comes to the rink with the right attitude. He was flying under the radar for a while, but in the last two months, NCAA scouts were starting to see what we have been seeing all along. The University of Maine just picked up a heck of a player."

 

"The minute I walked on campus, I knew Maine was the college I wanted to attend. My goal is to earn a degree in engineering, and I knew at Maine I would be able to achieve that goal while playing competitive college hockey," said Michel. "It is a great opportunity, and I am very excited."

 

The 19-year-old from Camillus, New York is in his second season with the Senators, and is currently the league leader in points among all defensemen. He also represented the Central Canada Hockey League twice at the Central Canada Cup. Before arriving in Ottawa, Michel played High School hockey for the West Genesee Wildcats. In his final season, he was named the team's Most Valuable Player.

 

"There are a few people that I would like to thank for helping me achieve my dream of playing college hockey, starting with my parents for their support and guidance," metionned Michel. "I would like to thank my grandfather, Bob Lynch. He has been a huge supporter of mine and my cousin, Shawn Lynch. We can rely on him to be standing near the glass, whether it be in Camillus, Ottawa, Utica, or Maine. I also would like to thank the Ottawa Jr. Senators coaching staff for taking a chance on me last year. Lastly, I would like to thank my high school coach, Frank Colabufo. He taught me the meaning of discipline, responsibility, and has helped me become the defenseman I am today."

 

The Maine Black Bears Hockey Club is currently sitting in the lower half of the very competitive American East Conference with a 3-6-1 record. For them, adding a defenseman like Robert Michel to their hockey club was a no-brainer: "The kid does everything right. He's not flashy, but he's effective in all three zones," said Red Gendron, Head Coach of the Black Bears. "He will be a great addition to our hockey team."

 

Michel can now shift his focus back to the second place Ottawa Jr. Senators. "My objectives are to keep pushing myself to become a better hockey player, continue to hit the gym, and help the Ottawa Jr. Senators pursue a league title."

 

The Senators will be playing two games this week, both on the road. The first, Friday night in Brockville against the Braves, and the second, Sunday afternoon against the league-leading Carleton Place Canadians.