As expected, the youthful University of Maine men’s hockey team has been up-and-down this season.
But sophomore defenseman Jeff Dimmen has been a model of consistency.
He had four goals and four assists in 19 games before Maine’s 3-1 loss to Bentley Friday night. He is tied for the team lead in game-winning goals with two, including a dramatic one with 8:19 left in a 3-2 win over Providence College on Nov. 14.
The Bears will host the Friars on Sunday at 2 p.m.
He has already exceeded last year’s point totals as he had 2 & 4 in 31 games.
“One of the greatest aspects of his game as a sophomore is his consistency,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “There have been only one or two games when he wasn’t outstanding.
“He has become a great shot blocker and he’s a tough kid. And he has certainly elevated his offensive game. He has seen a lot of time on the power play. He’s a very well-rounded player with quick feet.”
“He has really stepped up his game this year,” said senior center-wing and co-captain Jeff Marshall. “He’s a phenomenal all-around defenseman. He does everything asked of him. He’ll throw himself in front of a shot, he plays tough and he competes harder than anybody.”
“He isn’t a flashy player but if you ask the guys in the locker room, they’ll tell you unanimously that he’s one of our best players,” said Bear senior center Chris Hahn. “He keeps things simple. He isn’t a high-risk defenseman. And he has an edge to him which is rare. He’s one of our top offensive players and he plays meaner than anyone else on the team.”
The 22-year-old Dimmen, a native of Colorado Springs, said he wanted to add offense to his game this season.
“With the experience I gained last year and the work I did over the summer, I’ve been give more of a [prominent] role this year and that’s been nice,” said Dimmen, who enjoys getting involved in the offense.
“I think it goes back to my roller hockey days. I used to be a forward. I’ve always liked to join the rush. Just sitting back on the blue line isn’t as much fun,” said Dimmen.
Maine’s defense corps has produced 10 goals and 34 assists and Dimmen said, “Any time the defense can produce offensively, it helps out a lot. Our offense starts from our team defense. That has been our strength this year.”
He said one of the key ingredients in his development is his confidence, and that has been bolstered by the fact he has received more ice time this season. In addition to playing a regular shift, he is on a power-play unit and kills penalties.
“You gain confidence from experience. It’s nice to be out there in all situations and to know the coaches have confidence in you,” said Dimmen.
He takes pride in his skating ability.
“Skating is the foundation of hockey. If you’re a good skater, it’s a lot easier to make decisions and be in position,” said Dimmen.
“I can’t say enough about Jeff,” said Maine senior defenseman and co-captain Simon Danis-Pepin. “He’s been a leader on and off the ice. He’ll get involved in the offense and then come back and be in position defensively. And he’s a solid hitter.”
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Dimmen has been pleased with his season to date and entered the weekend hoping to help the Bears get their season turned around in the wake of an 0-3-1 streak.
“This weekend is huge for us. We’ve got to get the ball rolling after a couple of tough losses [to New Hampshire and Boston University]. We need to start climbing up the Hockey East standings,” said Dimmen.
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