ORONO, Maine — Eric Schurhamer doesn’t mind being the only senior on a youthful University of Maine defense corps that includes three sophomores, a redshirt freshman, two true freshmen and a junior.
In fact, the assistant captain relishes it.
“I like having a little bit of added responsibility … rallying everyone together and always putting a few words in people’s ears and whatnot,” Schurhamer said.
He is off to a great start for the 3-1 Black Bears, who face their first road test this weekend when they play a two-game set at National Collegiate Hockey Conference opponent Miami of Ohio (1-1).
Schurhamer has already notched a goal and three assists. His career high for points in a season is 11 which he registered his sophomore year in 35 games.
He had a goal and two assists in the 4-3 overtime win over No. 3-ranked Quinnipiac last Friday night. He made the cross-ice pass that set up Mitch Fossier’s power-play, game-winner.
He is an undersized defenseman at 5-foot-9, 188 pounds but compensates with his quick feet, tenacity and hockey sense.
“I’m happy with how I’ve been playing,” Schurhamer said.
“Hopefully, I’ll stay on this pace and the team will stay on this pace.”
Senior center and assistant captain Blaine Byron said Schurhamer has been playing well.
“He has been jumping up in the rush and also controlling the back end. It’s great to see,” he said.
“He has been carrying the puck and making plays all over the ice. He is a great leader, and he has been doing that on and off the ice,” senior left wing and captain Cam Brown agreed.
Freshman defenseman Patrick Holway said Schurhamer has been providing valuable guidance.
“He has been a great person to talk to. He has shown us the ropes,” Holway said.
Schurhamer, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, is one of three Minnesotans on the blue line, along with sophomores Sam Becker (Roseville) and Keith Muehlbauer (Apple Valley).
He said he worked on the mental aspect of his game over the summer.
“I was very detailed in my approach, nitpicking more stuff in my game,” Schurhamer said. “I worked out about the same but I skated a little less. Some of that was so I could relax and recoup. I wanted to be fresher coming into the season.”
“He always sets a good example, on and off the ice,” sophomore defenseman Rob Michel said. “He is always doing the right things. He has shown us young guys what we have to do (to succeed).”
Schurhamer goes into the Miami series with eight goals and 27 assists in his 94-game career.
“They’re close to us in the rankings. Hopefully, we’ll have a good weekend against them and keep climbing up the rankings,” Schurhamer said.
UMaine and Miami both received votes in in the weekly United States College Hockey Online poll.