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Mitch Fossier has committed to playing college hockey for Red Gendron at the University of Maine. The Alpharetta, Ga. native had his coming out party at the U16 Nationals last spring playing for his midget team, the TPH Thunder. He was drafted by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft and is listed as an affiliate for the 2013-14 season.
Fossier isn't someone whose skating ability will blow an observer away, but has tremendous hockey smarts. He had a solid showing at the Beantown Classic earlier this year.
"Mitch has the ability to thread the needle and create plays out of nothing, but is also able to be the goal scorer," said Fossier's coach, Paul Flache.
Flache believes Fossier could be a late bloomer who will continue to develop into a strong player. "As Mitch continues to mature and fill into his frame, he will become even more dynamic as he will add a physical presence to accompany his impressive skill set."
Fossier's work ethic is something that his coach believes will help him improve as he works towards making it at the next level. "He has made big gains this season because of the work he put in during the off season which has allowed him to be more dominant physically," said Flache, a 2002 draft pick of the Atlanta Thrashers who played several seasons of minor league hockey.
The University of Maine is getting a quality all-around student-athlete and person, according to Flache. "Mitch is a passionate athlete and is very dedicated to the game and his studies. Mitch is a great person, a great teammate, and he leads by example."
Fossier, a late '96, will play a year in the USHL next season before attending Maine starting in the 2015-16 season.
Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.