ODENTON, MD – Today Thomas Jarman, the longest tenured defenseman in Maryland Black Bears history, officially announced his commitment to play college hockey at Boston University (Hockey East).
Thomas Jarman has been with the Black Bears organization since its inaugural season in 2018, playing 91 games since then and racking up six goals and 23 points. His 91 games are the most ever played by a defenseman in Maryland Black Bear history and is second most on the all-time games played with Maryland list right behind forward Luke Mountain (106). Last season Jarman set career highs in goals (4), assists (13) and points (17). Jarman’s stay-at-home defensive play has helped improve the Black Bears over its first two seasons as the team saw an eight point increase in the standings (despite the season being cut eight games short).
Jarman has also evolved as a leader in his third season with the Black Bears. This week, he was named assistant captain of the team. While his defense has still been his strong suit to begin this season, he is also showing his offensive prowess with a goal and two assists through seven games. Jarman is the ninth member on the Black Bears roster to be committed to an NCAA program. Black Bears’ Head Coach Clint Mylymok had the following to say on Jarman’s commitment:
“We are extremely proud of, and excited for Thomas. He is one of our inaugural season draft picks and he has been a very determined individual to get to where he is now. It has been fun to watch his trajectory as a player and individual. Boston University is getting a very talented defenseman, who will be a strong and reliable player at the Division 1 level. Thomas is a fan favorite not only with his play, but also because of how he has taken to being part of the community. This is only the beginning of a great success story, and we look forward to seeing how the next chapter unfolds. He has been very loyal to our organization, and we have enjoyed watching his progress over the past 2 years. Thomas and his family have made lots of sacrifices to get to this point, and we are happy for them.”
When asked about Jarman’s development through the years, Coach Mylymok has this to say:
“He’s a great example of someone who takes advantage of the opportunities created by this league. He has worked extremely hard to be where he is and he has followed the developmental path that the Maryland Black Bears and NAHL provide. He was first scouted at MBB’s open camp, he was drafted by us in 2018, and he has been to two NAHL Top Prospect Showcases.”
In an interview with Jarman, he was asked about his experience in Maryland and what he’ll remember most about it when he’s gone. Jarman said: “Maryland’s where I started my junior career and it looks like it’s where I’ll finish it. It’s really built me as a player and person, and I know I’ll always be welcome back to visit the coaches, my billets, and many other people that I’ve grown close with over the years here.” When asked about why he chose Boston University, Jarman said: “It’s a very well known program with a winning history and I’m more than excited to be a part of it.”
Jarman is right about Boston University’s winning history. They play in the highly competitive Hockey East Conference. The Terriers have won the Hockey East title 11 times and have captured five NCAA Titles, the most recent being in 2009. Jarman will be joining another former Black Bear, forward Wilmer Skoog, when he arrives on campus next fall.