From the Bangor Daily News’s Larry Mahoney:

Junior Patrick Holway, the second-leading scorer among the University of Maine’s defensemen last year with 19 points on six goals and 13 assists, has decided to leave the men’s hockey program.

“I need to get back closer to home. It’s a personal matter and that’s all I can say about it,” said Holway. “We’ll see how things work out. It wasn’t an easy decision.”

Holway, a native of Cohasset, Mass., played in all situations and was a key contributor on the point on the power play.

The possessor of an NHL-caliber shot, Holway had a two goals and three assists on the power play. He also notched five game-winning assists last season.

He was the Hockey East Player of the Month for December.

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound Holway, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Detroit Red Wings (170th overall) in 2015, said he wasn’t sure what is on the horizon for him.

“I’m not sure yet. I haven’t thought about it. I’m going to keep all of my options open for now,” said Holway. “I’m just going to focus on taking things one step at a time.”