Sunday the University of Maine Black Bears faced at one time their goalie of the future in Matt McNeely. The 17-year old who’s in his second year with the USA National Team Development Program committed to Maine at 15. After thinking it over the Burnsville, Minnesota native committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, so he could be closer to his family.
“Being away from home in Michigan, I made the decision on my family.”
McNeely said the he only talked to Maine when he originally made the commitment to Maine. He made his commitment to the Bulldogs last January
“At the time, I wasn’t talking to any other team, it was just Maine,” he added. “I didn’t talk to any other schools before I de-committed.”
McNeely said joining the National Team Development Program, has helped him on and off the ice.
“Joining the program, I’ve gotten better multiple ways, I’ve gotten stronger, I’ve grown as a better person as well,” McNeely said.
Tim Whitehead was impressed what he saw from McNeely who was in net on the wrong side of a 5-1 game.
“He played really well,” said Tim Whitehead. “Matt kept them in the game, (especially) in the second period when were peppering him with shots and again in the third. I thought he made some great saves.”
