ORONO, Maine — Alfond Arena has housed tons of intense hockey since being built in 1976.
But the University of Maine facility was transformed into a festive forum Friday night as the Boston Bruins Alumni team squared off with local players representing Third Watch plus a few ringers for a benefit hockey game.
The proceeds will benefit the Junior Black Bears youth hockey organization.
The Third Watch team was composed of public safety personnel, EMTs, fire fighters, members of the military and policemen along with ringers such as former University of Maine All-American Jean-Yves Roy, Black Bear women’s assistant hockey coach Karine Senecal and former Maine women’s head coach Dan Lichterman, who recently announced his resignation.
Approximately 400 fans showed up to watch their idols, including NHL Hall-of-Fame defensemen Ray Bourque and Brad Park, along with dynamic Rick Middleton and Terry O’Reilly, who earned a reputation as one of the NHL’s best fighters and heart and soul players.
The other former Bruins were goalie Reggie Lemelin, who actually played out instead of between the pipes; Bob Miller, Nevin Markwart, Gary Doak, former Maine assistant and Northeastern and UMass Lowell head coach Bruce Crowder, Bruce Shoebottom, Guy Larose and goalie Cleon Daskalakis.
The fans were treated to a goalfest won by the Bruins 14-13 along with a number of lighthearted moments like a pig pile of Junior Black Bear players on O’Reilly in the corner.
There was also a Senecal breakaway that was interrupted by a stick tossed in her direction by a fun-loving Bruin and a glove that was tossed at her from the bench by another Bruin.
The Junior Black Bears played the last five minutes of the second period in place of the Third Watch team as they enjoyed a 12-on-6 advantage.
Fans had the opportunity to see the former Bruins exhibit the skill sets that enabled them to play in the world’s best hockey league.
Rick Middleton, nickamed “Nifty” during his career for his fluid skating and crafty playmaking, showed off his great hands and graceful skating stride while Bourque exhibited the spin move at the point that enabled him to free himself from checkers and brilliantly set up so many goals.
Bourque, a five-time Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defenseman, concluded his career with 1,579 points in 1,612 regular-season games while Middleton notched 988 points in 1,005 games.
Park, who has had two knee replacements, displayed the soft hands that produced 683 assists and 896 points in 1,113 games.
O’Reilly, who had his number 24 hoisted to the rafters at Boston Garden, applied a few good-natured checks without the ferocity that he delivered them during his playing days.
“This is very nice. It brings back memories from the days when we’d watch these guys over the years,” said Butch Berard of Oakland whose son, Scott Bolduc, played for the Third Watch team.
“I can’t believe our son is playing against the Bruins old-timers,” said Jean Berard, Bolduc’s mother. “They were names we used to talk about in the house. They were his big idols.”
Linda Auclair of Old Town and Susan Landry of Newburgh came primarily to see Bourque but they also wanted to see some of the other ex-Bruins.
“But I’m also going through hockey withdrawal [and wanted to see some hockey],” said Auclair with Landry in agreement.
“Terry O’Reilly was my favorite,” said Michele Spekhardt of Bangor. “And I wanted my son Jeff and his friend, Jake (Samiya) to see them play. I remember living in the Philadelphia area when the Big Bad Bruins and the Broad Street Bullies [Philadelphia Flyers] had their rivalry.”
Derek Cashman had a good reason to see the game with his daughter Katie.
“I’m named after [former Bruins] Derek Sanderson,” said Cashman.
The ex-Bruins and the Third Watch team had a memorable evening.
“I always enjoying come to [the state of] Maine,” said Middleton, who enjoyed the rink.
“It was a great time. And it was great to have the kids come out and play,” said Shoebottom.
Steve Van Dolman, who played for Third Watch, said it was fantastic and pointed out that he has played in a few other games against former Bruins but never against Bourque, Park or Middleton.
“It was awesome,” said Third Watch goalie Ryan Blanchette. “It was like a dream come true.”
Hampden’s Lee Miller, another Third Watch player, observed, “They may not have the speed they once had but they can still can think the game and move the puck. We were chasing them all night.”