The University of Maine Black Bears men’s ice hockey team lost 2013 defensive recruit Jared Gilbert as he elected to sign with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, foregoing his NCAA eligibility .

Selected in the third round of the 2011 OHL Priority Selection, Gilbert spent last season with the Toronto Marlboros where he accumulated 7 goals and 46 assists in 70 games. His strong play helped the Marlboros capture the 2011 OHL Cup.

“Jared is a very reliable puck-moving defenceman,” Rangers Head Scout Murray Hiebert commented in the Kitchener Rangers press release. “He has excellent vision and hockey sense that he uses to gain possession of the puck and begin the rush.”

Kitchener’s tradition was a factor in Gilbert’s decision.

“Looking at some of the names that have played here, I’m excited to be a part of the tradition,” Gilbert said in the team’s press release.

The Black Bears have seen several players join the major junior ranks in the last few years. Players like Nashville Predators 2010 first round selection Austin Watson, who joined the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) and won a Memorial Cup. He now plays for the Peterborough Petes (OHL). Other players include Kevin Gagne (Saint John, QMJHL), Darcy Ashley (Halifax, QMJHL), and Brandon Francisco (drafted by Sarnia traded to Kitchener, OHL), who all de-committed before they were 17-years old.

Howard gets the call

ORONO, Maine – The University of Maine announced today that it has selected seven former student-athletes for induction into the 2011 Sports Hall of Fame. Former track and field student-athlete and coach Jim Ballinger (Maine ’66), basketball captain and benefactor Dick Collins (Maine ’59), women’s soccer great Linda Consolante-Hathorn (Maine ’06), football All-American Mark Coutts (Maine ’86), hockey standout Jimmy Howard, cross country captain William Hunnewell (Maine ’37) and Tim Tobin (Maine ’80) of the riflery team. The class will be inducted at a ceremony on the Orono campus on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011.

Howard had an outstanding career for the Black Bears. He was named an All-American in 2004 and was also named to the Hockey East First Team, Hockey East Top Goalie, the Hockey East All-Tournament Team and Hockey East Tournament Most Valuable Player in 2004. He led the Black Bears to a berth in the NCAA Title Game that year against Minnesota. He was also named All-New England and team MVP that season. Howard holds NCAA Records for goals against average in a season at 1.19 in 2003–04 and best save percentage with a .956 mark also in 2003–04. He set a school record with 63 saves in a triple overtime victory against UMass in the 2004 Hockey East title game. He holds Maine records for career shutouts with 15 and single season shutouts with six. Howard is currently the starting goalie for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. He was one of three finalists for the 2010 Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year.