Connor Anthoine is a man of his word.

The 17-year old Lewiston native has left the Lewiston Maineiacs and will continue his path to the University of Vermont in 2011. Until then, he will suit up with the Green Mountain Glades of the Eastern Junior Hockey League.

“The only thing on my mind has been this decision the last couple of days,” Connor Anthoine said Tuesday. “It’s been really tough.”

“I think I made the right decision.”

Although disappointed to hear the news Lewiston Maineiacs General Manager Roger Shannon had positive things to say about Anthoine.

“He’s a great kid, stuck with his original plan, absolutely nothing we can do,” said Shannon. “We did our best (to sign him.)”

“It’s very good for the University of Vermont, that’s for sure.”

He first made his verbal commitment to the Catamounts as a 14-year old and was the first 1993 born player in the world to commit to a NCAA school. People doubted him if he would ever end up in the Green Mountain state.

“That when all the hype started, people said I was too young. What if he changes his mind, but honestly, I’ve stuck with Vermont, my heart is with them the whole time through.”

“I’ve been completely happy and excited with the opportunities I’ve been given.”

Anthoine is very thankful for the entire Maineiacs organization for giving him this chance.

“This is a great league, a great organization, the people here are great,” Anthoine added. “The players are unbelievable.”

Shannon will keep an eye on him throughout the season with the Glades

“I will always pursue him,” Shannon stated. “If something happens and he changes his mind, we are there. He’s a good player. We aren’t taking him off our protective list.”

With Anthoine’s departure, that leaves 31 players left in camp including all six goaltenders. Marc-Antoine Rousseau, who was cut on Monday due to schooling purposes, might find himself back in Lewiston due to Anthoine leaving.

“Marc-Antoine is in CEGEP (high school system in Quebec), he wants to comeback, but it requires him to changing educational paths,” said Shannon. “Again, it comes down to education, he has to decide if that’s he wants to do.”

The team is expected to announce the next round of cuts to come on Thursday.