The University of Maine men’s ice hockey team added their second goalie commitment for next season when 21-year old Dan Sullivan made his choice to attend the university next fall. Kimball Union Academy’s Martin Ouellette committed to the school in early April.

“I really liked (Maine),” said Sullivan on his recent visit to Orono. “It’s not really too big or small, and it felt right. I went to a couple of other schools and it wasn’t the same atmosphere.”

“I liked their attitude for off- ice training; a couple of guys were at the gym when I was taking a tour of the gym.”

Being from York, Pennsylvania, he was looking to play in the Northeast.

“That’s what I’ve been really pursuing is to play in Hockey East,” he added. “Fortunately everything worked out.”

Sullivan played last season with the Texas Tornado of the North American Hockey League where he had a 22-24-4 record with a 3.08 goals against average and a .912 save percentage in the regular season.

“(Sullivan) started at a high level this year and, because of his work ethic and willingness to learn, he just got better and better,” said Texas Tornado head coach Tony Curtale in a league press release.

“Coming down to Texas was really beneficial for me, Coach Curtale has been great,” Sullivan said. “He a lot of confidence in me and I played a ton of games down here. I am a lot more confident then I was the year before.”

Sullivan saved his best performances in the playoffs with a 2-3 record, a 1.65 goals against average and a .949 save percentage.

“Maine didn’t come into the picture until later on in the season around the playoffs,” Sullivan stated. “My play during the playoffs helped and I don’t think they saw me play too much before then.”

With Scott Darling still suspended by the team, playing time could be available for the upcoming season.

“I am not sure what (Tim Whitehead) has in mind, but I am going to come in there and really make an impact,” said Sullivan. “If I get a shot then I will make the best of it.”

He also likes the fact that he will face high quality shots during practice.

Sullivan considers his style to be a butterfly goalie, and uses his 6’2 frame to his advantage.

“I am not afraid to come out and challenge, when I do that, I am pretty hard to beat.”

If Texas Tornado program sounds familiar, that’s because former Black Bear netminder and current Team USA goaltender for the IIHF World Championships, Ben Bishop, also played his junior hockey with the Tornados. Sullivan liked Maine’s success of developing goalies to the next level.

“It’s a great place to develop obviously and I look forward to it,” Sullivan added.
Other goalies that have played with the Tornado include Al Montoya, Dave McKee, Brandon Crawford-West and Ron Vogel.

“Sully is right there with that group,” said Curtale.

Due to NCAA rules, the University of Maine can’t comment on Sullivan’s commitment until he signs a National Letter of Intention to the school.

NOTES: Sebestien Gingras, a 2011 recruit, is competing at the RBC Cup – a Junior A National Championship in Canada – with the Brockville Braves of the CJHL. The RBC Cup is the. Gingras has one assist and four penalty minutes in three games heading into Thursday’s action.