SACO ”“ The skyline of Pittsburgh is one of the more breathtaking sights in urban American.
So it’s perhaps fitting that the ‘Burgh should be a place where the hockey horizons can grow broader and grander.
They certainly did for C.J. Maksut last week.
Maksut was among dozens of high school elite level players from around the country to take part in the PIHL America’s Showcase, staged at Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh.
Maksut, his Thornton Academy teammate Jon Pate, and former Kennebunk standout Kevin Airoldi were all part of the Northern New England Gold entry that won the Showcase championship, April 17.
Northern NE Gold bested local team Pittsburgh Black, 4-3, with former Junior Pirates Evan Schultz (two goals) and Connor Anthoine (one goal) leading the way.
To do so well in an event staged before a crowd of junior coaches and college recruiters was particularly gratifying to Maksut.
“It was awesome,” he said. “I had a great time with the guys, and being in the great city of Pittsburgh. It was a really different pace. All the guys are more physical, and that took a little getting used to. But those are the caliber of guys you’ll be playing with at the next level. But it was awesome to be a part of. I definitely want to pursue that level of hockey.”
That’s the aim of virtually every player in the showcase, where as much weight is put on teamwork as dazzling talent.
“In a showcase, you want to show your individual talents,” said Maksut, who netted one goal during the tournament. “All around, you want to play your best. You just come prepared and don’t do something stupid. It’s not a lot of pressure, but it’s an opportunity to be able to show what you have. It’s great to have that opportunity.”
Among the other teams was the Northern New England Black squad, which included defenseman Eric Grover (Biddeford) and goalie Jay Finch (Thornton).
NNE Black didn’t fare as well, failing to make it out of the preliminary round.
Even so, having a few familiar faces on hand made the event even more enjoyable for Maksut.
“It was awesome being around friends that you’ve known for a long, long time,” he said. “But being around new guys, too. You get to make new friends, too. That helps make it a great experience.”
Maksut is hoping for bigger and better hockey experiences down the road, and working to make those happen.
He’s in the midst of a tryout with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs B team, and if he’s successful, he’ll have to decide whether or not to forgo his senior season at Thornton.
It will not be a snap decision.
“It’s very difficult,” Maksut said. “You want to keep your options open so that you’re able to do what’s right for you at that particular time.
“You’ve got all your friends that you go to school with at TA. But on the other hand, you have a chance to play hockey at the next level.”
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