University of Maine men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead said his team has to find the balance between physical play and taking ill-advised penalties.
After giving the University of New Hampshire 10 power-play chances nine days ago and seeing the Wildcats convert three of them in UNH’s come-from-behind 5-4 win, the Black Bears supplied Boston University with just three power-play chances Saturday in a lethargic 4-1 loss to the nation’s No. 2-ranked team.
“We had discipline but we were not physical. We didn’t have intensity. We didn’t win loose pucks. We didn’t play with any competitive fire,” said Whitehead. “To be successful, we have to be physical.”
He also indicated that his best players didn’t play well.
“Everyone has to bring their best games every time they step on the ice,” said Whitehead. “We’re not to the point where we can just show up [and expect to win].”
He said the team has a blueprint to work from: Its 7-3 exhibition win over the United States Under-18 team in Portland on Jan. 2 in which the Bears played a very physical game and won most of the battles for the puck without taking a penalty.
Maine entertains Atlantic Hockey member Bentley College (Mass.) Friday night for its last nonconference game. Maine returns to Hockey East play by hosting Providence College on Sunday at 2 p.m.
There will be significant lineup changes for the Bentley game.
“Certain guys who didn’t play at BU will be back in the lineup. A lot of guys had tough nights at BU,” said Whitehead. “We’re going to put our best lineup on the ice.”
Among those expected to be reinserted into the lineup will be freshmen right wing Theo Andersson, center Kyle Solomon and defenseman Ryan Hegarty, junior goalie Dave Wilson and senior center-winger and co-captain Jeff Marshall.
“Jeff had a couple of tough games in a row [resulting in his benching] and we need to get him going. He had a great first half and I’m sure he’ll get back on track,” said Whitehead.
On a positive note, the other co-captain, defenseman Simon Danis-Pepin, said his sprained ankle which kept him out of the lineup the three previous games held up well.
“The ankle felt good. Paul [trainer Paul Culina] has been doing a good job with the treatments and putting the [tape] on. So I was all right,” said Danis-Pepin.
Danis-Pepin, who was on the ice for three BU goals, had just begun skating earlier in the week.
The Providence game will kick off a stretch of 15 consecutive Hockey East games leading up to the league playoffs.
Maine, 5-6-1 in Hockey East, will try against Bentley to snap a four-game winless streak (0-3-1).
Maine has been outscored 15-10 during that stretch and Maine’s forwards have scored just two even-strength goals.
The defensemen have scored five goals, two on the power play, and there have been three power-play goals scored by forwards.
UMaine women still rebuilding
Saturday’s 77-46 loss to Hartford was another harsh reminder of how far the UMaine women’s basketball team has to go to re-establish itself as a major player in America East.
Coming off a string of nine straight losses, coach Cindy Blodgett admitted it is likely to be a difficult road for the Bears.
“We’re in the process of rebuilding this program and it’s going to take a lot of work,” said UMaine’s second-year head coach. “There can be no shortcuts.”
While it could take two or three years to recruit more talented players, there are other aspects of the process that must be addressed every day. One of those areas is intensity, both in practice and during games.
And the players’ work ethic and commitment must remain steadfast, even in the face of continued adversity.
“Oftentimes, you’re put to the test, and some people will rise to the occasion and some people won’t,” Blodgett said. “We’re about to see where this team really is.”
While all concerned are disappointed with the team’s on-court struggles, Blodgett is determined to help push her players through the tough times.
“We need to get better on every single level,” Blodgett said. “I need to get better as a coach, I need to be a better leader for them, and it goes right on down the line.
“I need to have our upperclassmen give more; our young players have to work harder,” she continued. “It’s not one single person or one single area.”
UMaine slates baseball fundraiser
Former major league standout and UMaine star Mike Bordick will be the featured guest Saturday during The Friends of Maine Baseball’s Meet and Greet the Team event.
Former UMaine pitcher and College World Series MVP Joe Ferris will host the event, scheduled for 5-7 p.m., in his home on Wintergreen Way in Brewer. The cost is $50, which includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided by the Muddy Rudder Restaurant in Brewer.
UMaine coach Steve Trimper said the function is open to the public and is designed to give fans the chance to get to know the Black Bear players and coaches and chat with Friends group members.
Former UMaine head coach John Winkin also is scheduled make an appearance.
Those interested in attending should contact UMaine assistant coach Aaron Izaryk at 581-1098.