Previewing the Maine Black Bears.

It is now that time of year where every single Hockey East point matters and the Eagles need at least three this weekend as they travel up to Alfond Arena for two games vs the Black Bears. BC dominated Maine in their first meeting this year by a score of 5-1 @ Conte Forum, BC's PP was great on that day as they 2/4 and outshot the Black Bears by a 27-21 margin. Over the course of the past few weeks though, Maine has stepped up their game a little as they have nice wins over UMass, UNH, and a tie @ Merrimack. The best player on not just the Black Bears, but in the country is Spencer Abbott who has tallied a whopping 12 goals and 23 assist so far this season. I would definitely say that Maine's first line of Abbott-Flynn-Diamond is the best in the league and maybe in the country. Yes, they may have some superstars on their first line but this Maine team lacks in terms of depth offensively. I think BC could really take advantage of the second and third line matchup's as I look for a big weekend from the Gaudreau-Mullane-Whitney line. Goaltending wise, the Black Bears rank near the bottom in every major statistical category in the league. Maine has yet to find a night in and night out goaltender so far but compared to BC, I would say their situation is much worst. Ever since Ben Bishop left, this team has been killed by their goaltending. I look for two hard fought games with a great flow to it since both these teams play a great up tempo style.

Players To Watch 

1. Spencer Abbott- The best player in the league. 35 points on the year. Very dangerous.

2. Matt Flynn. Second in the league in scoring. 32 points on the year for the Black Bears.

3. Joey Diamond. Third in the league in scoring. Leads the team in goals with 15.

Keys for the Eagles 

1. Need to find a way. Yes, it will be VERY hard to overcome this team @ Alfond  but if BC stays poised and gets the offense going, they will win.

2. Score First. BC is 12-2-1 when they score the first goal. It would be nice to get off to a good start at Alfond

3. Goaltending. I think Chris Venti will be great again. Let's hope he turns is another solid performance that leads to a victory.

4. Limit Abbott and Flynn. You cannot shut them down but at least try to limit their chances.


All Time Series- BC leads 58-40-9 all time vs Maine. Coach York is 31-24-8 vs Maine.

Prediction- BC gets three points on the weekend

News- Chris Venti will be in net. Lines will be...

Carey-Arnold-Kreider

Gaudreau-Mullane-Whitney

Almeida-Hayes-Linell

Smith-Sit-Brown

Note- I am going up to Maine (I am extremely excited) so check in for Twitter updates. @bchockeyblog1

Previewing the Maine Black Bears.

Title: Previewing the Maine Black Bears: A Deep Dive into the Hockey Program

Introduction

In the world of collegiate ice hockey, the Maine Black Bears have carved out a special place for themselves. Based at the University of Maine in Orono, this hockey program has a storied history, boasting a rich tradition of success and a passionate fan base. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the Maine Black Bears' ice hockey program, from their history and recent performance to the key players to watch for the upcoming season.

The History of Maine Black Bears Hockey

The University of Maine's ice hockey program was established in 1977, and since then, it has become one of the most respected and successful programs in college hockey. The Black Bears compete in Hockey East, a highly competitive NCAA Division I conference known for its tough competition and NHL-caliber talent.

Notable Achievements:

National Championships: The Maine Black Bears have won two NCAA national championships, in 1993 and 1999, solidifying their status as a college hockey powerhouse.

Hockey East Dominance: Maine has consistently been a contender in the Hockey East conference, earning multiple conference championships and making numerous appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

NHL Alumni: The program has produced a plethora of NHL talent over the years, including Paul Kariya, Scott Pellerin, and Jimmy Howard, among others.

Recent Performance

The recent performance of the Maine Black Bears has been characterized by periods of competitiveness and rebuilding. While they have shown flashes of excellence, the team has faced challenges in maintaining a consistently high level of performance. Let's take a closer look at their recent seasons.

Season-by-Season Analysis:

2021-2022 Season: The Black Bears had a promising season, showing signs of improvement and finishing with a solid record. They made it to the Hockey East playoffs but were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

2020-2021 Season: The previous season was a challenging one, with disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the adversity, the Black Bears managed to compete and gained valuable experience.

2019-2020 Season: Maine had a respectable season, finishing in the middle of the Hockey East standings. They were building momentum when the season was abruptly halted due to the pandemic.

Key Players to Watch

As we look ahead to the upcoming season, several key players are expected to play pivotal roles in the Maine Black Bears' success. These athletes possess the talent and leadership necessary to elevate the team's performance.

Adrian Holesinsky (Forward): Holesinsky, a Czech Republic native, is an exciting forward who possesses great offensive instincts. His playmaking abilities and scoring touch make him a player to watch.

Matthew Thiessen (Goaltender): Goaltending is often the backbone of any successful hockey team, and Thiessen is poised to be a difference-maker for the Black Bears. His ability to make acrobatic saves and maintain composure under pressure is impressive.

Simon Butala (Defenseman): Butala brings stability to the Black Bears' blue line. His defensive prowess and ability to move the puck effectively make him a valuable asset.

FAQs About Maine Black Bears Hockey

What is the significance of the Black Bears' name and mascot?

The Maine Black Bears' mascot is named "Bananas T. Bear," and the name "Black Bears" was chosen to symbolize the rugged wilderness of the state of Maine. It reflects the university's connection to the state's natural beauty and wildlife.

What is the atmosphere like at a Maine Black Bears home game?

Alfond Arena, the home of the Black Bears, is known for its passionate and enthusiastic fan base. The arena, with a seating capacity of over 5,000, can get extremely loud, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams.

How can fans support the Maine Black Bears hockey program?

Fans can support the program by attending games, purchasing team merchandise, and becoming members of the Maine Black Bear Club, which provides financial support to the athletic department.

What are the team's goals for the upcoming season?

The primary goal for the Maine Black Bears in any season is to compete at a high level in Hockey East and qualify for the NCAA Tournament. The coaching staff and players work tirelessly to achieve this goal.

How can aspiring hockey players get involved with the Maine Black Bears program?

Young hockey players looking to join the Maine Black Bears program can explore opportunities such as attending the university and participating in tryouts if they meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, the team may hold open practices or events for fans to engage with players and coaches.

The Maine Black Bears' ice hockey program has a rich history, a bright future, and a dedicated fan base that stands by them through thick and thin. As the upcoming season approaches, the team's players, coaches, and fans are filled with hope and excitement. With the right blend of talent and determination, the Black Bears have the potential to make their mark in the world of college hockey once again. As fans, let's continue to support and cheer for this storied program, celebrating their successes and standing by them in their pursuit of excellence on the ice.