Odenton, MD – Luke Mountain, the lovingly dubbed Mr. Black Bear, has officially announced his commitment to play Division 1 college hockey at the University of Vermont. Mountain has been in Maryland since their inaugural season back in 2018-2019, and has been a crucial part of the roster since his first season. From the moment he stepped foot in Maryland, Luke was an important part of the team’s offensive attack, scoring 18 goals and adding 10 assists in his 49-game rookie season. Mountain also gained a reputation as a “closer” of sorts, as he notched three game winners in his first season, on top of four goals on the power play. Luke returned to the Black Bears for the 2019-20 season, tallying 9 goals and 16 assists. Mountain’s leadership began to emerge that season, being named Assistant Captain and helping to lead the Black Bears towards the franchise’s first playoff berth, before the season was prematurely brought to a close.
The Mountain Man came back for a third season with the Black Bears, this year to much fanfare, and he has not disappointed. Through 12 games played this season, the recently named captain has notched 6 goals, including a game winner, and 4 assists. Luke had strung together a five-game point streak between October 16th and November 20th, being named the NAHL East Division Star of the Week during that span. Mountain hopes to continue to lead his team towards the top of the division when action resumes for the Black Bears in 2021.
Coach Mylymok has witnessed Luke’s development during these three years. When Mountain announced his commitment, he had this to say:
“I can’t say enough, how proud the coaching staff, and organization is of Luke. Luke has been a Maryland Black Bear since day one, and has worked extremely hard for the opportunity to play Division 1 hockey. He has never taken a day off, on or off the ice, and is a great leader for our team. We are excited to see Luke continue his development at the University of Vermont, and we are proud to see Luke attain his commitment as a Maryland Black Bear. He always does things the right way, and has set a great example for his teammates.”
Mountain had this to say about his commitment:
“I’m proud to announce that I have decided to further my academic and athletic career at the University of Vermont. First of all, I would like to thank my parents for pushing me and allowing me to be able to compete at this level and pursue my dreams. I would also like to thank all my coaches and family for always supporting me and cheering me on. Most Importantly I want to thank the Black Bear Family for bringing me to Maryland and making me part of the family! We started this journey together and we have come a long way. From Coach Mylymok and Gotkin, to our team president Robyn, my billet family (for dealing with me for 3 years), Black Bear Nation, and all my teammates that have been through this organization. Without all of you, none of this is possible and I am forever grateful. I’m looking forward to my next chapter at Vermont but Maryland will always hold an extremely special place in my heart.”
Mountain is now the thirteenth (!) current Black Bear committed to a Division-1 program. They plan to return to action in early January.