Michael Robinson commits to UNH

Michael Robinson will be embarking on a new journey at Lawrence Academy in a few days to begin his prep school career, but he already knows where he is headed to college.

Last week the Bedford, NH native committed to play his college hockey at the University of New Hampshire for Dick Umile. At LA, he'll be playing for a former Wildcat and fellow Granite State native, Robbie Barker, who patroled the UNH blue line from 2001-2005.

Barker was given a recruiting lead from former New Hampshire goaltending coach Mike Buckley, the owner of Goalie Development Services (GDS), who has been overseeing the development of Robinson the past few years.

"Mike [Robinson] was put on my radar by his goalie coach Mike Buckley who runs GDS Goalie School," said Barker. "Mike [Buckley] says he is one of the hardest working kids he has ever been around. He doesn't complain, he doesn't make excuses, he just works," added Barker.

The 1997-born Robinson played for the Boston Junior Rangers in the MET last season, compiling an impressive stat line. He posted a 1.99 goals against average to go along with his .934 save percentage.

"Mike played in the MET year for the Junior Rangers and put up some great numbers playing above his age group."

Robinson, listed at 6-4, is a big goaltender who covers a lot of the net. He will replace another oversized goaltender, John Stratton, who graduated, between the pipes for LA.

"Mike is a play-reading, athletic goaltender. He has great size and his ability to understand the game keeps him calm and poised. When things get unpredictable he has the ability and compete level to battle. He is a well balanced goaltender technically, physically and mentally," said Buckley of his protege.

Barker is thrilled to have Robinson on campus and believes he will quickly be integrated into the LA community.

"We are excited to have him as a part of our community and hockey program here at LA," said Barker, who noted that Robinson will also be a key new addition to the golf team. "He's a multi-sport athlete, who is humble and cares about the people around him. He's got a great family to boot. They are wonderful people, very down to earth and personable," added Barker.

Barker said that he strongly believes his college alma mater is getting a good goaltending prospect for the future.

"I'm glad to see he will be staying in state and playing for Coach Umile and the Wildcats. A great program is getting a great kid, and a phenomenal goalie," boasted Barker.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSports.