Maine Nordiques (NAHL) forward Kevin Pitts has announced his commitment to Utica College.
Pitts, 20, made the most of his first and only NAHL season, finishing 4th in team scoring with 39 points in 51 games played this past season. A Quebec native, Pitts was also one of the assistant captains during the 2019-20 season; prior to Maine he played prep hockey at Holderness.
“Kevin was an amazing leader and impact person for the Maine Nordiques in our inaugural season,” said Maine head coach Nolan Howe. “He showed up ready to work, day in and day out, he held himself and others accountable, and his compete level was second to none. We have tremendous respect for the Pioneer Program at Utica College, it’s a fantastic place to play collegiate hockey, in a great league, and we certainly believe they have added a terrific young man. We wish Kevin the very best and look forward to celebrating his future success with him as he will always be a part of the Nordiques family.”
Maine’s associate head coach Matt Pinchevsky added, “Recruiting a young man like Kevin Pitts was such a pleasure. He benefited our community and hockey club in so many ways. Pittsy will have a positive impact at the next level, for sure. Kevin’s next level will be a big step up for him and a great chance to shine on the NCAA stage.”
Utica also committed defenseman Joey Berkopec. who had 20 points in 56 games in the BCHL this past season; Berkopec was our No. 16-ranked uncommitted ’99 prospect.
“He’s a pure skater, fluid and agile, and plays an honest, reliable defensive game,” said NZ scouts. “He gaps up well in the neutral zone, is physical when forwards try to cut in on him and does a nice job in coverage in his own end. He took the body in the corners and along the boards but was more effective with his stick either fishing pucks out of scrums or stealing it off opponents sticks.”
Lastly, Utica committed Gunnery forward Jeff Kopek for 2021. This upcoming season, Kopek will head to Utica but will play in the NCDC for the Utica Comets.
“We liked that he attacked the net and that should be his plan the rest of the way,” NZ scouts said. “He used his frame and reach to be strong on the puck. He fired a nice backhand on the net and stole a puck with his quickness and a sneaky stick, went in and fired. He is a direct player with some dangle. He plays a smart game; safe with possession and can be trusted late in games. We liked his upside and his approach.”
