Canisius College men's soccer head coach Dermot McGrane announced the addition of three players to the Golden Griffin program on Monday. Ryan Schroen, Jon Cary and Derek Maier have all signed National Letters of Intent to join the team, beginning with the 2011 season.

"The first three players that we have signed in our 2011 class will all have an immediate impact on the field next year," McGrane said. "In order to turn Canisius into a winning program, we need to have players with ability, character and a high-work rate. These three student-athletes posses all of these qualities in abundance."

Named a NSCAA High School All-American, Schroen teamed with Maier to help lead Clarence High School to three New York State Semifinal appearances. During his career with the Red Devils, Schroen anchored a defense that recorded 43 shutouts in 65 games. The 2010 Section VI Player of the Year, Schroen was also named to the all-state and all-region teams as a senior and was twice selected to the All-WNY and All-ECIC Teams.

"Of the 77 High School All-Americans this year, only four were defenders and Ryan is one of those four," McGrane said. "I think this speaks volumes about the type of player he is. Ryan has a great understanding of the game and the ability to be in the right place at the right time. He rarely gets beaten 1-on-1 and is very composed with the ball at his feet. I expect Ryan to be an impact player for us immediately."

Cary earned three letters for the Northstars at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. He totaled six goals and four assists during his senior season and was twice named to the All-CNY First Team as a midfielder in 2009 and 2010.

"Jon is exactly the kind of central midfielder that all coaches want but are very hard to find," McGrane said. "He is a very tough competitor with a tireless work rate on both sides of the ball. He is an all-around player who rarely loses possession of the ball and is always a presence on the defensive side. I'm looking forward to the contributions that Jon will make to our team next year."

A three-year letterwinner at Clarence High School, Maier totaled 30 goals and 23 assists during his career. He earned team MVP accolades during his senior campaign and was named to the all-state team in 2010. He was also a two-time selection to the All-WNY and All-ECIC teams, while leading the Red Devils to three New York State Semifinals. Maier was also coached by McGrane at the Empire United Soccer Club.

"I have known Derek for a few years and have watched him develop into a high-level forward," McGrane said. "He has a great awareness on the field and is comfortable checking to the ball or running on to it. He is extremely quick and has a nose for the goal. When you combine these qualities with his attitude and work rate, I feel we have a player that will make a difference for us next year."

A two-time MAAC Coach of the Year, McGrane was named the 14th head coach in the Golden Griffin men's soccer program's history on Jan. 21. He joins Canisius after spending nine seasons turning Niagara into one of the top programs in the conference.