The University of Maine Black Bears men’s ice hockey team continued to get talent from the north of the border as forward Brandon “BJ” Salerno gave his verbal commitment for either the 2013 or 2014 season.

“I chose Maine because I know the hockey program as well as the education program is top of the line,” said Salerno in an email to the Maine Hockey Journal Sunday afternoon. “The support the entire school gives the team at every game is electrifying.”

Last year with the Don Mills Flyers of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, the 5’8, 160-pound center potted 26 goals and 25 assists in 38 games.

“I am a quick forward who anticipates the play and can put the puck in the net,” Salerno added. “I would like to think of myself as a well-rounded player.”

This past May he was drafted by the Ottawa 67′s in the third round of the Ontario Hockey League’s Priority Selection. He was also drafted by the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League’s Future’s Draft. Salerno explained why he picked the NCAA over the OHL.

“I chose NCAA hockey because I believe that style of college hockey fits perfectly into my style of play, it is fast pace and high skill level,” he said.

He will be spending the 2011-2012 season with the North York Rangers of the Ontario Junior “A” Hockey League. Penn State, Bowling Green, and North Dakota were also recruiting him.

Two recruits sign on to play in Junior A in Ontario

Devin Shore will be going up against Salerno this season as he will be playing with the Whitby Furry also of the OJHL. Last season with the Hill Academy, he had 33 goals and 62 assists in 61 games. He also took part in Canada East’s evaluation camp for the World Junior “A” Challenge which takes place in November.

Swann Boisvert will be going to the RBC Cup Champions (Canada Junior “A” National Championship), Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canada Hockey League. With Standstead College Spartans he notched 35 goals and 41 assists in 64 games.