The American Hockey Coaches Association has announced its Division I All‑American Scholar team, and six members of the University of Maine men's ice hockey program have been selected for the honor.
Among the honorees, senior forwards Thomas Freel and Brandon Holt stand out as the fourth and fifth players in program history to receive the accolade four times, reflecting a rare combination of athletic and academic achievement.
Eligibility standards
To qualify, a student‑athlete must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.75 across both semesters and must appear in at least 40 percent of the team's games, with accommodations provided for those sidelined by injury or serving as a backup goaltender.
The complete list of scholars includes Oskar Komarov, Jeremy Langlois, Charlie Russell and Gage Stewart, joining Freel and Holt in a distinguished cohort that underscores the program's commitment to scholarly excellence.
Program significance
The recognition adds to the University of Maine's growing reputation for developing student‑athletes who excel both on the ice and in the classroom, a trend that aligns with the mission of the American Hockey Coaches Association.
The university celebrated the scholars as a testament to the balanced development fostered by its athletic department and academic support services.