Prized 2014 men's hockey recruit Michael Pontarelli announced on Sunday that he will play a second season with Cornwall of the Central Canada Hockey League.
"I've decided to play in Cornwall for one more year," Pontarelli tweeted. "Time to start getting ready for our season as defending champs."
Speculation had been running rampant about where the budding star would play in the fall. After blitzing through the league -- the 19-year-old forward lead the CCHL in scoring with 52 goals and 55 assists -- some believed there was little point to returning for a second season.
One of those individuals was Hawkesbury (CCHL) head coach Shawn Anderson, who once coached Pontarelli. Anderson recently told the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder that he didn't think Pontarelli had much to gain by playing a second season in the CCHL.
Muskegon of the Untied States Hockey League appeared to be one possible alternative. The Lumberjacks traded up to select Pontarelli with the 53rd overall pick in last month's USHL draft. He competed in Muskegon camp over the weekend and scored one goal.
Other speculation had Pontarelli coming to Union a year ahead of schedule. The Dutchmen graduated its top two forwards, Wayne Simpson (36 points) and Kyle Bodie (33 points).
Pontarelli was recently named the unanimous choice for CCHL MVP and the CCHL Sportsmanship and Ability Award. He was also selected as the first-ever Canadian Junior Hockey League MVP and CJHL Top Forward.
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