August 6, 2007

Mello to Dartmouth

Hooksett, NH - – James Mello of the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs has committed to Dartmouth College for the fall of 2008.  He will spend one more season with the Monarchs before playing for the Big Green and looks forward to defending a title he certainly helped earn in 2007.  This past year he stepped up and lead the Monarchs to their fourth title in six seasons, but did so like no other goaltender before him as he pitched back-to-back shutouts in a best of three series to capture the 2007 EJHL Playoff Championship.  He then followed it up with convincing performances in the USA National Jr A Tier III Championship and helped the Monarchs to a National Title.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play hockey at a competitive collegiate level,” stated James Mello.  “I was not so sure that was going to become a reality until I came up and played for the Jr Monarchs this past season. Both coach Tremblay and coach Corkum have helped my development as a player greatly in the past year. Their help made my college dreams a reality. I feel that Dartmouth was the best fit for myself on the ice as well as in the classroom. I am thankful that I have been given the chance to attend such a prestigious school that also has a top notch hockey program. I am looking forward to working with the coaching staff at Dartmouth. I thank them for giving me the opportunity to play for them. I have one more year with coach Tremblay and Corkum where I will continue to develop as a person and a player. This year will be great, but I can't wait to begin my college career at Dartmouth.”

“James took full advantage of this past season and certainly has established himself as one of the premier goaltenders in the country, “ stated GM/Head Coach Sean Tremblay.  “I firmly believe his inline play helps his on ice play.  He is always in ‘position a’ as far as his angles are concerned.  When you couple that with his great athleticism and mobility you end up with a tremendous goaltender.  His numbers this past year in playoffs were just amazing (4-1-0, 1.10GAA, .966 save%).  What impresses me the most is his ability to remain focused on the task at hand and remain even-keeled.  James is a very mature person and is very well-spoken for his age.  You can tell he comes from a great family.”

James was also recently named Tournament MVP at the NARCH Championships.  He is currently on the front page of their website.  He also captured a gold medal at last summers World Inline Championships in Budapest as a member of Team USA.  He is the son of Jim and Sheila Mello of Rehoboth, MA.