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Boston Advantage defenseman Patrick Holway has committed to the University of Maine for the 2016-17 season. Holway, a two-sport athlete from Cohasset, Mass., also stars on the lacrosse field.
"I'm happy for him. It's a wonderful school," said Cohasset lacrosse coach James Beaudoin.
Holway, listed at 6-5 and 195 lbs., is a big defenseman who has grown a lot over the past year or two and is considered to potentially be a diamond in the rough.
"He's just an athlete, a multi-sport kid. He's 6-5, 190 but he should be able to bulk up," said Beaudoin.
The Boston Advantage youth hockey organization is headed up by former Black Bear forward Tim Lovell. Holway played last winter for the organization's U18 AAA team and will likely skate with the same team this upcoming season. He had eight goals and 11 assists in 34 games played last season.
Holway and his teammates at Cohasset High School won the Massachusetts Division III Lacrosse state championship in June.
"He came back from BC High so it was my first year coaching him. He had a huge impact. He's a long-stick midfielder who has Division I college lacrosse talent. He had a tremendous year for us. He had four goals one game," said Beaudoin of his projected captain for next season.
Holway is an athletic player who skates well and can distribute the puck. A first-time draft eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft, he will be scouted closely to see if he slipped through the cracks. Some organizations could be intrigued by his size and athletic ability despite his relatively low profile. Judging by the high praise of his lacrosse coach, Holway will continue to develop and become a better player.
"He's coachable. He's 100% into hockey when he's on the ice and was 100% committed to lacrosse on the lacrosse field. He motivates his teammates, he's a silent leader and his teammates love him," said Beaudoin.
Editor's Note: Attempts to reach Mike Cusack and Tim Lovell of the Boston Advantage were unsuccessful.
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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSports.