Maine Hockey Journal

Boyle will be the foundation for the defense

Lewiston, ME – The Lewiston Maineiacs now have a 20-year old at all three positions. Wednesday night, the team completed a deal with the Moncton Wildcats for defenseman 20-year old Matt Boyle. Lewiston sends a fourth round selection in 2010 to Moncton.

“Matt Boyle has been in the league for three full seasons,” said Maineiacs General Manager Roger Shannon at the team’s media day Thursday. “He’s a real character kid who’s got excellent hockey ability. He’s a defensive-defenseman and it’s just what we need.”

The Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native had a goal and eight assists last season. He also had 79 penalty minutes.

“On the blue line, we are young but we also talented,” said Maineiacs’ President and Head Coach Don MacAdam. “Again as we mentioned before, age has nothing to do with this. You are on the ice you are playing; you don’t wear your age on your sleeve.”

MacAdam and Shannon believe Boyle will be the foundation for the blue line. Tyler Piercy

“Your 20-year olds and19-year olds as well, they will be the glue that holds the team together,” said MacAdam. “We think we have a skilled defense. I say this all the time, I don’t know if other coaches do, but there’s a world wide shortage of steady stay at home physical defenseman.”

“We look forward for him coming in to be anchoring our young defense that we have, as well providing strong leadership” said Shannon.

Both MacAdam and Shannon say Matt Boyle is excited to be a part of this team.

“I just talked to him for a few minutes before this event (media day) started, he’s on his way and is excited to be a part of this team,” said MacAdam.

“Matt should be here this evening,” said Shannon. “He should be joining us in the morning for our trip to Shawinigan.”

Three more cut

The team has released three more players on Wednesday. Nick Huard, Tyler Piercy, and Stephen Woodworth were the ones to pack their bags. The team will still hold their rights.

Nick Huard, 18, was acquired at the trading deadline last winter from the Victoriaville Tigres. In 51 games last season, he had a goal and four assists. Out of the 51 games, he suited up in 31 for the Maineiacs and recorded three of the four assists he put up last season in Lewiston.

Tyler Piercy, 17, was the Maineiacs’ eighth round selection in 2009. He spent last season with North Yarmouth Academy. He will head to the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Junior “A” Hockey League along with Nick Huard.

Stephen Woodworth, 16, was the team’s fourth round selection this past summer. The defenseman last year had two goals and five assists in 25 games with the Valley Wildcats of the Nova Scotia Major Midget League.

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