Former Maine forward Justin Poirier has committed to Penn State men’s hockey, Grand Forks Herald’s Brad Elliot Schlossman announced on Monday

Poirier entered the portal after leading Maine in scoring during the 2026 season. He did so despite suffering a hip injury, which led to surgery, causing him to miss the final eight games of the season.

After opening his freshman year with a hat trick against Holy Cross, the forward recorded 18 goals and added 11 assists. The Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec native had five multiple-goal games, but was left off the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.

Poirier was drafted in the fifth round by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2024 NHL Draft. He will start to fill the hole left by the ‘Behind The Back Boys’ after the departure of Matt DiMarsico, Charlie Cerrato, and JJ Wiebusch. He is the second player to join the Nittany Lions through the transfer portal.