The '03 native of Westwood, MA spent two years developing in junior hockey, skating a year apiece in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP). Combined together, Montanez tallied 13 points to his credit over the course of 80 career games.

"Im so happy for Angel, he has worked extremely hard," said Bandits head coach and general manager Scott Drevitch. "It was a pleasure to work with him on his game and help him with the college process. He plays with passion and grit and was a key component to turning our season around. Southern Maine is getting a great teammate and even better person."

USM will be bringing in a six-player class from the EHL this fall, as Montanez will be teaming up with Danny Caputo from the Boston Jr. Terriers, Ryan Pappalardo from the New Hampshire Avalanche, Isaac Grondin from the Vermont Lumberjacks, and both Finn Ernsjoo and Gavin Simopoulos from the Express Hockey Club, when he arrives on campus.

"My goal was to play D3 hockey at the most competitive level and to attend a very good college," said Montanez. "The University of Southern Maine is my next stop in my hockey life. A fast-paced conference competing against top tier D3 teams, getting to this level was not easy. Credit the Bandits and Coach Drevitch. Coach Drevitch's level of experience and good sound advice, which he lent to all of his players, paid off. Being a Bandit was a very positive experience for me. My next step is a big one as I become a member of the USM Huskies. Looking forward to my new teammates and playing for another great coach. Thank you to everyone who I have met along the way who supported me in getting to the next level."

Learn more about the Bandits on the team's official website, and check out the full 2023-24 NCAA commitment list.