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Ryan Lomberg is an undersized, but crafty forward whose strengths are his stick handling abilities and strong skating. The Richmond Hill, Ontario native just finished his freshman season at the University of Maine.
The Black Bears had a disappointing season that resulted in a coaching change. Tim Whitehead was terminated after 12 seasons behind the bench in Orono and replaced by former Yale associate head coach Red Gendron.
Lomberg spent the majority of the season on a line with two other impressive freshmen. Dallas Stars draft pick Devin Shore and Will Merchant were his linemates on an offensively challenged team. The trio appeared to have chemistry and had several games where they wreaked havoc offensively, but couldn't finish. The three skilled forwards brought energy and offensive creativity to the team and gave Maine fans reason to be optimistic heading into the 2013-14 season.
Gendron plans on having a faster paced team that will bring the pressure as opposed to the more laid-back approach of Whitehead. That could lead to more chances and better opportunities for Lomberg and his teammates this upcoming season.
Despite his small stature, Lomberg played with an edge. He finished the season with 42 penalty minutes to go along with his seven goals and seven assists.
Lomberg will be a late round pick if he is selected. The former Muskegon Lumberjacks forward projects to be a career minor leaguer, but his upside is as a tenacious third or fourth line forward on an NHL club.
Jeff Cox covers college hockey, the AHL and the NHL Draft for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.