Lone Star forward Montambault makes NCAA commitment
August 15, 2018
The Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce forward Michael Montambault has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Adrian College for the 2018-19 season.
“I’m pretty excited about it,” Montambault said “I know coach [Adam] Krug over there is a real good guy and he helps move guys on to pro hockey and it’s not too far from home so I’m pretty excited about it. I only live 25 to 30 minutes away. It’s the ideal set up for school and getting to stay close to home instead of when I had to leave to play junior hockey.”
“We’re extremely happy for Monty,” Head Coach Dan Wildfong added. “He stepped up for us toward the end of the season and really made an impact. We’re excited to watch him transition to NCAA hockey and know he’ll do well at the next level.”
Montambault wrapped up his lucrative three-year junior career in Texas, finishing with 59 points since his 2015-16 campaign. The Ann Arbor, Michigan native tied his career high with nine goals this past season and was a big-time producer for the Brahmas in the Robertson Cup Playoffs. He was also selected to and played in the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the South Division Team.
The 6-foot-5 forward said it was an easy decision to play for Adrian.
“Every year they are up for a National Championship,” Montambault added. “The main goal is to go in there and try to bring one home. They’ve been close every year, they just need to get over the hump and win one. I wasn’t opposed to living away from home to play junior hockey, but it will be good to stay in Michigan for the next few years and play hockey right down the road from home.”
He will reunite with Michigan natives and former Brahma teammates Jared Domin and Austin Bottrell. Montambault and Bottrell will be roommates in the fall.
“The biggest thing I felt I struggled with coming into junior hockey was consistency and knowing every day you have to go out there and compete. I feel like coach Wildfong really instilled that in my head and told me ‘Listen, you need to go out there and compete every day if you want to get to where you want to be.’ Junior hockey was a blast and I’m sad it’s over, but it’s just another chapter you get to move on from in your life.”
Due to Adrian’s strong business program, Montambault plans on majoring in finance and focusing on a route to minor in economics.
“I want to thank my family and friends. My parents have been huge supporters of me and they’ve done a lot for me especially over the last few years. Thank you to all my teammates. I’ve made memories and bonds that I’ll never forget in my past three years of juniors,” Montambault said.
Throughout his career, the Victory Honda product developed into a physical forward who could pester opponents deep in the zones. He matured into a reliable two-way player who wasn’t afraid to step in to make a play.
As the next chapter of his playing career begins, he wanted to ensure the next group of Brahmas understands what it takes.
“Biggest thing I have to say to the Brahmas coming in is to listen to Dan,” Montambault said. “He’s the greatest coach I’ve ever played for and the most knowledgeable coach in hockey. Listen to Coach Dan and Justin Hale and bring home another Robby Cup down to Texas. It’s the greatest place I’ve played hockey.”
