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Yarmouth, Maine -- Seventh grader Oliver Wahlstrom has committed to play college hockey for Red Gendron at the University of Maine. Just weeks after Springfield Cathedral goaltender Keith Petruzzelli became the first '99 in the country to commit, Wahlstrom one-upped him. Wahlstrom was born June 13, 2000, meaning he won't turn 14 for another six months, which makes him the youngest player to ever commit to an NCAA college hockey program.
Wahlstrom became an internet sensation several years ago when he scored a highlight reel shootout goal for the ages on the Boston Bruins mini one-on-one, a between periods staple of Bruins telecasts for decades.
Wahlstrom's commitment to Maine wouldn't be until the fall of 2019. The Yarmouth, Maine native is fourth on his team in scoring with three goals and six assists in 10 games played. Wahlstrom is a "special player" according to head coach Eric Graham in a press release put out by the school. Having seen Wahlstrom just once, his hands are his best asset, but he is a terrific skater and could develop into a superstar. It's so hard to project a player in middle school, but some just seem destined, and Wahlstrom is one of them.
Wahlstrom's father, Joakim, played briefly for the University of Maine before a professional hockey career in Sweden.
NYA lost, 3-2, in overtime at Pingree the last time out. The Panthers return to action on Saturday with a home game against Berwick. NYA plays its home games at the Travis Roy Arena, the on-campus facility named after the former Boston University player who became paralyzed 11 seconds into his collegiate career. Roy played at NYA before transferring to Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass.
Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.