MAINE vs. MIAMI
Time, site: Friday, Saturday 7 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono
Records: UMaine 1-1, Miami (Ohio) 0-2
Series, last meeting: UMaine leads 5-2-1, Miami 5-0 on Oct. 22, 2016
Key players: Maine — D Rob Michel (1 goal, 1 assist), LW Brendan Robbins (1 & 1), C Chase Pearson (0 & 2), LW Nolan Vesey (1 & 0), C Tim Doherty (1 & 0), G Rob McGovern (1-0, 2.99 goals-against average, .921 save percentage), G Jeremy Swayman (0-1, 4.41, .867); Miami — D Grant Hutton (1 & 1), C Casey Grilling (1 & 1), LW Kiefer Sherwood (no points), D Louie Belpedio (np), C Josh Melnick (np), C Austin Alger (1 & 0), G Ryan Larkin (0-2, 3.05, .885)
Game notes: Both teams are eager to bounce back after difficult 2016-17 seasons. UMaine split its opening series with visiting UConn two weekends ago while Miami was swept at home by Providence 3-1, 3-2. Miami has since beaten the United States National Team Development Program’s Under-18 team 7-5 in an exhibition game. The RedHawks, an uncharacteristic 9-20-7 a year ago, are fast and talented and will be aggressive on the forecheck. The Black Bears are going to have to make smart decisions with the puck and crisp breakout passes. Three of the nation’s top offensive defensemen will be on display in Miami’s Hutton and Belpedio and UMaine’s Michel. Belpedio had 17 points in just 24 games a year ago while Hutton and Michel each scored nine goals. Belpedio missed 12 games due to injury and Miami was 0-9-3 without him. He is a preseason All-National Collegiate Hockey Conference selection. Both teams have an infusion of impactful freshmen. Forwards Grilling, Alger, Ben Lown and Phil Knies picked up their first collegiate points vs. Providence. UMaine received promising showings from its six first-year skaters who played in both games.