The University of Maine men’s hockey team has gone up to Ontario to grab another forward for next year’s recruiting class.

Brady Campbell, a 20-year-old native of Blenheim, Ont., is currently in his third season with the Elmira Sugar Kings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League where he has 38 goals and 27 assists in 35 games.

He had UMass-Lowell, Cornell, Niagara, and RIT also looking at him.

He’s a natural goal scorer that has the ability to find open lanes and shoot in stride,” said Elmira head coach Dean DeSilva. “Brady has the ability to do things at top speed on the ice. He has very good speed and his first three strides are excellent. When around the net Brady has an accurate shot with a quick release.”

Not only does Campbell has the physical tools, but understands the mental side of the game.

“He’s a student of the game and understands the game well,” said DeSilva. “He pays attention to every detail of the game and is able to identify areas of the game where he can gain a positive edge. He’s a quiet leader in the room and prefers to lead by example and work ethic. “

Just like any other player going from junior hockey to college hockey, DeSilva said Brady needs to continue to work on his strength and the speed of the Division I game.

DeSilva said Maine started recruiting him in December after watching his recruiting video which the team sent out to numerous Division I schools.

The GOJHL is a Junior “B” league and Campbell had a chance to play at the Junior “A” level and at the major junior level.

“Brady had opportunities to play major junior hockey, which he declined to maintain his NCAA eligibility,” DeSilva added. “He also had an opportunity to play in (British Columbia) this season. He and his family understood the manner our organization has developed players both on-and-off the ice as well as within the community. Our organization is a stable organization and we’ve developed a number of players for the OHL, NCAA and NHL over our 41 year history.”

Some of the Sugar Kings alumni include Darryl Sittler, Dennis Wideman, and Kyle Rank, who played for the Portland Pirates from 2008-10.

DeSilva also said the GOJHL is on the same level of Junior “A” leagues such as the OJHL where current freshman Devin Shore played last season and the CCHL where fellow recruit Blaine Byron is currently playing. The only difference he said, there’s no National Championship at the Junior “B” level like there is at the Junior “A” level with the RBC Cup.

Henke shines at the EJHL All-Star game

The EJHL All-Star game was held on Monday and 2013 Maine recruit Josh Henke had a goal and assist for Team South in the 5-2 loss to Team North. Ryan Cloonan, a ‘13 or ‘14 recruit was named to Team North’s roster, but couldn’t compete due to an injury.

Portland Jr. Pirates forward Haralds Egle had a goal for Team North. The Latvian born leads the Portland Jr. Pirates with 20 goals and 23 assists in 33 games.