Previewing the University of Maine Black Bears

After a shocking upset at the hands of UMass-Amherst but a nice beatdown of rival Northeastern, BC will look to sweep the season series away from Hockey East foe, Maine this weekend at Conte Forum. BC and Maine have met just once this season @ Alfond Arena in Orono, a game in which BC won but it wasn't without a valiant effort from a very young Black Bear squad. Unfortunately for Maine and their fans, there haven't been too many positives so far this season as they sit in dead last place in the Hockey East standings and currently place at 54th out of 59 teams in the college hockey RPI ratings. It's certainly an understatement to say that things are not going well up there in Orono. Surprisingly however, the Black Bears do have a couple of impressive victories over teams like Cornell, @ Lowell, and Minnesota Duluth. The first meeting of the year between BC and Maine was supposed to be a cakewalk for the Defending Champs but I thought Maine played a very hard hockey game. They've got some talented guys like freshman Devin Shore (someone that really stood out to me), Joey Diamond, and Conor Leen that can certainly play. It was around this time of year last season where the Black Bears swept BC and BU back to back and were ranked in the top 10 in the country. But, guys like Spencer Abbott, Brian Flynn, and Will O'Neil are long gone and it's been a struggle to replace them. Maine's defense isn't too bad as they rank in the middle of the pack in terms of Hockey East as they currently allow 2.74 goals per game, good for 6th in the league. The problem for Tim Whitehead and his team has been their absolutely atrocious offensive production as Maine ranks dead last in Hockey East, scoring just 1.52 goals per game. They're currently the only team in the league averaging below two goals a game. I would tell you who is playing goalie tomorrow for the blue and white but right now, it's anyone's guess as time has been split up between Jr's Martin Ouellette and Dan Sullivan while freshman Matt Morris has also seen some game time here and there. Ouellette has played the last four games and was in net when BC came to town earlier in November so if I had to take a wild guess, I would think he will be in there tomorrow night.

Remember when I told you last week that UMass hadn't won @ Conte since 2007 and then they went right out and dominated BC ? Well, the same thing goes for the Black Bears as they have not beaten Boston College in Chestnut Hill since October of 2005 (!). That's kind of amazing considering the fact that Maine has had some pretty darn good teams in that time span. In their only trip down here last season, Maine got shellacked 6-1 and the year before that they were ranked #3 in the country, only to be swept by the Eagles. If you look at Maine's schedule this season, you'd noticed they have yet to win a game in the previously hostile confines of Alfond Arena and have all three of their W's coming on the road. Is Maine a great hockey team ? No, but BC learned it's lesson last weekend. Winning in this league is tough because everybody has some talented players on their roster. Maine is not different and BC can be sure that Maine knows they need some points this weekend in order to stay in the playoff race. I expect the Black Bears to come out with everything they have tomorrow night and I hope BC doesn't treat this like a pushover game such as they did vs UMass. When you're caught sleeping in this league, it's going to come back to hurt you. BC cannot, under any circumstances, let that happen this weekend.

As for BC, they will be without defenseman Mike Matheson who continues to recover from the upper body injury he suffered vs Northeastern last Saturday. The staff expects that Matheson will be ready to go vs Vermont next Friday night. In Matheson's absence, I look at guys like Isaac Macleod and Travis Jeke who really stepped up and played great the last 40 minutes vs Northeastern. Losing Matheson will hurt an already thin defensive corps but I think guys like Jeke and Colin Sullivan are going to build off the games they had vs Northeastern because, really, that was the first time in a while in which I thought BC played some really solid defense. I don't know if BC can play any better than they did in the second and third periods of Saturday's game vs the Huskies but if they could continue to build some momentum and dominate the play this weekend, it would be a big positive heading into the Beanpot. Anything less than 4 points this weekend would be looked at as disappointing but if the Eagles can continue to do what they did last weekend, then they should be able to come away with a couple victories.

Taking a look at Maine

Record- 5-14-4, last place in Hockey East.

Pairwise Rank- Not ranked.

Leading Scorers- Conor Leen (6-5-11), Joey Diamond (5-4-9), Devin Shore (2-7-9)

Best Wins- @ Lowell, vs Cornell

Worst Losses- vs Merychurst, vs St. Lawerence (x2), vs Vermont

All Time Series- BC leads 61-42-9.

Keys for BC

1. Score early and score often. Some early goals would pretty much kill any inspiration Maine has coming in. BC has got to find a way to build off what they did vs Northeastern.

2. Score some power play goals. The Eagles power play has not looked good. Well, it looks fine but BC has too much talent on the PP not to be scoring. They haven't had a PP goal in 4 games now. Simple key for PP- Get the puck to #13.

3. Make life easier for Parker Milner. Keep shots to the outside and avoid giving up 3 on 2's and 2 on 1's.

Go Eagles.

 Previewing the University of Maine Black Bears: A Comprehensive Overview

In the world of collegiate sports, few things generate excitement and anticipation like the start of a new season. It's a time for fans to come together in support of their favorite teams, for players to showcase their hard work and dedication, and for institutions to represent their pride and tradition. One such institution is the University of Maine, home to the Black Bears, a team with a storied history in various sports. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive preview of the University of Maine Black Bears, exploring their athletic programs, notable achievements, and what the future holds. Additionally, we will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to offer an in-depth understanding of this esteemed institution's sports endeavors.

The University of Maine Black Bears: A Brief Overview

The University of Maine, located in Orono, Maine, has a rich tradition of athletics, with its teams known as the Black Bears. The Black Bears compete in the NCAA Division I, showcasing their talent and dedication on a national stage. The university offers a wide range of sports programs, providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.

Athletic Programs at the University of Maine

The University of Maine offers a diverse array of athletic programs that cater to a wide range of sports enthusiasts. These programs include:

Football: The University of Maine football team competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Black Bears have a storied history and have produced NFL talent over the years.

Hockey: The men's ice hockey team, in particular, has a passionate following. The Black Bears have won multiple national championships and consistently compete at a high level in NCAA Division I hockey.

Basketball: Both the men's and women's basketball teams represent the university with pride. These programs have a strong presence in America East Conference play.

Baseball and Softball: The baseball and softball teams have showcased their skills in college baseball and softball, respectively. These programs offer exciting opportunities for athletes to compete at a high level.

Soccer, Field Hockey, and More: The University of Maine also fields teams in soccer, field hockey, track and field, and other sports. These programs contribute to the university's well-rounded athletic portfolio.

Notable Achievements and Traditions

The University of Maine Black Bears have a history of excellence in various sports:

Hockey Glory: The men's ice hockey team has won multiple national championships and is renowned for its passionate fan base and storied rivalries.

NFL Talent: The university has produced NFL players, including notable alumni such as Mike DeVito, Montell Owens, and Jovan Belcher.

Basketball Success: The men's basketball team has made appearances in the NCAA Tournament, while the women's team has enjoyed competitive seasons in America East Conference play.

Community Engagement: The University of Maine Black Bears are actively involved in community service, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.

The Future of the Black Bears

As the University of Maine looks ahead, there are several key areas of focus for the Black Bears' sports programs:

Recruitment and Development: The university is committed to recruiting top-tier talent and providing student-athletes with the resources and coaching needed for success.

Facility Upgrades: Ongoing efforts to upgrade athletic facilities ensure that Black Bears athletes have access to state-of-the-art training and competition venues.

Academic Excellence: The university places a strong emphasis on the academic success of its student-athletes, ensuring that they excel in the classroom as well as on the field or court.

Community Engagement: The Black Bears will continue to engage with the local community, fostering a sense of pride and unity.

FAQs About the University of Maine Black Bears

Let's address some common questions to provide a deeper understanding of the University of Maine's sports programs:

Q1: How competitive are the University of Maine Black Bears in NCAA Division I sports?

A1: The Black Bears are competitive in various sports, with a strong presence in hockey, football, and basketball. They consistently strive to compete at a high level.

Q2: Are there opportunities for student-athletes to receive scholarships at the University of Maine?

A2: Yes, the university offers athletic scholarships to qualified student-athletes in accordance with NCAA regulations.

Q3: What is the atmosphere like at Black Bears sporting events?

A3: The University of Maine boasts passionate and supportive fans who create an electric atmosphere at games, particularly hockey matches.

Q4: How does the University of Maine contribute to the development of student-athletes both athletically and academically?

A4: The university provides student-athletes with academic support services, top-tier coaching, and access to modern facilities to ensure their development both on and off the field.

Q5: What is the university's approach to community engagement through sports?

A5: The Black Bears are actively engaged in community service and outreach, reinforcing the values of teamwork, leadership, and community involvement.

The University of Maine Black Bears represent the pride and tradition of an esteemed institution, showcasing their talent and dedication in various NCAA Division I sports. With a rich history of excellence and a commitment to the development of student-athletes, the Black Bears continue to be a source of pride for the university and its community. As they embark on each new season, fans eagerly anticipate the excitement and achievements that lie ahead, supporting their beloved Black Bears every step of the way.