Maine Black Bears Hockey
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The University of Maine Black Bears men's hockey team is considered by many to be one of the top tier hockey programs in Division I, given the program's short history since beginning in 1977. The Black Bears play in the Hockey East Association along with 9 other teams, and have won 2 NCAA Championships, in 1993, and in 1999. They play their home games in the Harold Alfond Sports Arena, also known more commonly as the Alfond Arena. They are currently coached by Tim Whitehead. As of 2006 they have appeared in 10 Frozen Four's, and have a 28-18 record in the NCAA Tournament games.[1]
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[edit] Beginning of Maine Hockey
The University of Maine Black Bears men's hockey team attemped to get ice hockey as a varsity sport in the early 20th Century (1909 to 1911), but failed to get it off the ground until the program started its hockey program in the 1977-78 under inaugural head coach Jack Semler, and finished with an overall record of 15-12-0, which was pretty good for a first year college hockey squad. 8 up and down rollercoaster seasons after starting a hockey program, and along with a new coach, Shawn Walsh, the University of Maine Black Bears men's hockey team entered Division I's Hockey East Associaton in the 1984-85 season, posting a dismal 8-26-0, (12-26-1 overall) record. The next few years they advanced to the Hockey East championship game, only to lose to the Boston College Eagles in 1987, and Northeastern University in 1988, finally capturing the Hockey East crown in 1989, defeating Boston College.
[edit] Blemished Perfection
After 1 more Hockey East title and 2 more Hockey East Championship game losses and the loss of the 1992 Hobey Baker Award winner, Scott Pellerin, in 1992-93 the Black Bears finished 42-1-2, which is the modern day's closest thing to perfection, the only loss coming at the hands of a 7 to 6 overtime loss to the Boston University Terriers, which Maine led 6-2 at one point, and two ties coming at home against the Providence Friars which was 3-3, and a 4-4 tie against Clarkson University. With the help of future NHLer's Paul Kariya, Jim Montgomery, and the amazing goaltending tandem of Mike Dunham & Garth Snow, the Black Bears overcame a 3-2 3rd period deficit to beat Michigan in overtime 4-3, thanks a Lee Saunders' game-winning goal, then they captured their first NCAA Men's Hockey Championship, after trailing 4-2 entering the 3rd period to Lake Superior State University, eventually clawing their way back to take a 5-4 lead thanks to a 3rd period natural hat-trick by Jim Montgomery. Maine caught some "puck luck" in the dying minute, when a Sean Tallaire shot hit the crossbar.
The entire state was on top of the world, until NCAA unveiled restrictions due to ineligible players. Many people around the college hockey world thought that Maine should have had their 1993 Championship title removed, although the ineligible players were in the 1991-92 season, thus not affecting the outcome of the 1992-93 season. The 1993-94 hockey season however was a general disappointment, as the Black Bears posted an on ice record of 17-15-4, the record was changed to a record of 6-29-1. There are many things that factor into the dismal record in 1993-94, like Paul Kariya, Jim Montgomery, little Cal Ingraham and both star goalies (Dunham & Snow) going their own ways. The 1992-93 season was chronicled in two separate documentaries, "42-1-2," and "Out of The Woods," which was narrated by ESPN play-by-play announcer Gary Thorne, and has subsequently been re-released as part of a 2-Disc DVD set, along with the Black Bears win over LSSU.
[edit] 2nd National Championship
After the restrictions were unveiled they got back into the NCAA National Championship game again in 1994-95, after playing a triple overtime thriller against Michigan which Maine won 4-3, but lost to the Boston University Terriers in the game, 6-2. The 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons Maine couldn't participate in the NCAA Tournament because of the sanctions and restrictions. The next time the Black Bears made it to the championship game was in 1998-99. Unlike the 1992-93 team there would be no regular season title, no Hockey East title, as they would end up finishing second to New Hampshire, or tournament as they lost to Boston College 3-2 in the semifinal game. The Black Bears got even with both teams in the Frozen Four, which is hockey's version of NCAA Basketball's Final Four. The team, led by Paul Kariya's younger brother Steve Kariya, beat Ohio State 4-2, destroyed Clarkson University 7-2 in the next round, then advanced where they met the Boston College Eagles in the Frozen Four. The game was a defensive struggle, where both goalies Alfie Michaud (Maine), and Scott Clemmensen (B.C.) each stopped 35 of 36 shots, but the 37th shot by Maine found a way by Clemmensen and Maine defeated Boston College 2-1 in a glorious overtime win.
In the finals they had to play against the New Hampshire Wildcats, who was led by Hobey Baker winner Jason Krog. Maine opened up the scoring with a powerplay goal by Ben Guite at 15:47 which turned out to be the only goal in the first period. Niko Dimitrakos made it 2-0 for Maine in the second at 4:10. Maine, who was up by a goal until Mike Souza scored for New Hampshire early in the Third Period, and having a goal disallowed due to team captain Jason Vitorino's skate in the crease, were set for another thrilling overtime game. Alfie Michaud, made some tremendous saves in the overtime period, and captured the tournament MVP honors, and at the 10:50 mark of overtime Marcus Gustafsson broke the tied game with the game winning goal, to lead the Black Bears to a 3-2 overtime victory, and most importantly, a 2nd National Championship.
[edit] Death of Coach Walsh To The Present
After failing to repeat as champions in 1999-2000 after losing to the eventual North Dakota in the Frozen Four, despite starting the season with a 10-0-2 record, and again in 2000-2001, losing to Boston College in the NCAA Quarterfinals 3-1, Maine was poised for a great season in 2001-2002. Then came the tragic death of long time coach Shawn Walsh on September 24, 2001, at age 46. Like in 1993 when Maine won the NCAA Championship the state stood still.
With intern coach Tim Whitehead coaching, and the youngest of the Kariya's (Martin) they magically made it to the 2002 Championship game against Minnesota. Maine was 52.4 seconds away from winning championship #3, when the Golden Gophers scored to send the game to overtime. In overtime Minnesota scored to win the game 4-3, ending Maine's Cinderella season.
En route to Maine's appearance in the 2004 Championship game, Maine faced off against Harvard in the regional game. Maine scored 4 unanswered goals in the third period to come back from a 4-1 Harvard lead in the third period. Maine also found a way back to the National Championship game again in 2003-04 this time without a Kariya, but with the fantastic play of current Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, yet tragically lost the game 1 to 0 to Denver, after having a goal disallowed for Mike Hamilton having a skate in the crease, and dispite generating some good scoring chances, especially having a 5 on 3 powerplay with just a few minutes to go in the game. Two Maine players got All-Tournament Team honors, Dustin Penner, and Preston Ryan.
[edit] Current roster
As of February 25, 2007
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| # | Player | Catches | Year | Place of Birth | Last Team
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| 30 | Ben Bishop | L | So. | Des Peres, Missouri, US | Texas Tornado |
| 31 | Shane Foley | L | Fr. | Clinton, New York, US | Lawrenceville School |
| 31 | Dan Morse | L | Fr. | Moretown, Vermont, US | Harwood Union HS |
| 33 | Dave Wilson | L | Fr. | Caledon East, Ontario, Canada | Streetsville Derbys |
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| # | Player | Year | Shoots | Place of Birth | Last Team |
| 2 | Mike Lundin | Sr. | R | Apple Valley, Minnesota, US | Apple Valley HS |
| 10 | Bryan Plaszcz | So. | R | Apple Valley, Minnesota, US | Santa Fe Roadrunners |
| 21 | Matt Duffy | So. | R | Windham, Maine, US | NH Junior Monarchs |
| 27 | Travis Ramsey | Jr. | R | Lakewood, California, US | Salmon Arm Silverbacks |
| 37 | Christopher Hahn | So. | R | Fort Qu'Appelle, Sask, Canada | Notre Dame Hounds |
| 37 | Brett Carriere | Fr. | R | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | Northern Cyclones |
| 44 | Bret Tyler | Jr. | R | Maynard, Mass, US | Junior Bruins |
| 79 | Simon Denis-Pepin | So. | R | Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada | Gatineau |
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| # | Player | Year | Shoots | Place of Birth | Last Team |
| 7 | Jeffery Marshall | So. | R | Kyle, Sask, Canada | La Ronge Icewolves |
| 11 | Michel Léveillé | Sr. | R | Lévis, Quebec, Canada | Nanaimo Clippers |
| 12 | Keith Johnson | Sr. | R | Windsor, Connecticut, US | New England Junior Coyotes |
| 13 | Keenan Hopson | Jr. | R | Prince George, B.C. Canada | Prince George Spruce Kings |
| 14 | Billy Ryan | Sr. | R | Milton, Mass. | Cushing Academy |
| 16 | Rob Bellamy | Jr. | R | Westfield, Mass, US | New England Junior Coyotes
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| 18 | Josh Soares | Sr. | R | Hamilton, Ontario, Canada | Hamilton Kilty Bees |
| 22 | Mike Hamilton | Sr. | R | Victoria, B.C. Canada | Merritt Centennials |
| 23 | Tony Morrone | Fr. | R | West Palm Beach, Florida, US | South Kent School |
| 24 | Wes Clark | Jr. | R | Oakville, Ontario, Canada | Milton Icehawks |
| 26 | Teddy Purcell | Fr. | R | St. John's, Nfld. Canada | Cedar Rapids Roughriders |
| 28 | David de Kastrozza | Fr. | R | Toms River, N.J, US | Culver Academy |
| 29 | Brent Shepheard | Sr. | R | Shawnigan Lake, B.C. Canada | Nanaimo Clippers |
| 55 | Vince Laise | So. | R | Brampton, Ontario, Canada | Georgetown Raiders |
[edit] Season By Season Records
| Season | GP | W | L | T | Playoffs |
| 1977-78 | 27 | 15 | 12 | 0 | N/A |
| 1978-79 | 34 | 25 | 8 | 1 | N/A |
| 1979-80 | 32 | 15 | 16 | 1 | N/A |
| 1980-81 | 34 | 23 | 11 | 0 | N/A |
| 1981-82 | 29 | 8 | 21 | 0 | N/A |
| 1982-83 | 29 | 5 | 24 | 0 | N/A |
| 1983-84 | 34 | 14 | 20 | 0 | N/A |
| 1984-85 | 42 | 12 | 29 | 1 | N/A |
| 1985-86 | 40 | 11 | 28 | 1 | 1st Round of Hockey East Tournament |
| 1986-87 | 42 | 24 | 16 | 2 | First NCAA Tournament Appearance |
| 1987-88 | 44 | 34 | 8 | 2 | NCAA Tournament Participant |
| 1988-89 | 45 | 31 | 14 | 0 | Hockey East Champions |
| 1989-90 | 46 | 33 | 11 | 2 | Hockey East Finals/NCAA Quarterfinals |
| 1990-91 | 43 | 32 | 9 | 2 | Hockey East Finals/NCAA Semifinals |
| 1991-92 | 37 | 18 | 17 | 2 | NCAA Tournament Participant |
| 1992-93 | 45 | 42 | 1 | 2 | NCAA National Champions |
| 1993-94 | 36 | 6 | 29 | 1 | 1st Round of Hockey East Tournament |
| 1994-95 | 44 | 32 | 6 | 6 | NCAA Finals Participant |
| 1995-96 | 39 | 26 | 9 | 4 | Did Not Qualify |
| 1996-97 | 34 | 23 | 10 | 1 | Did Not Qualify |
| 1997-98 | 36 | 17 | 15 | 4 | Hockey East Finals |
| 1998-99 | 41 | 31 | 6 | 4 | NCAA National Champions |
| 1999-00 | 40 | 27 | 8 | 5 | Hockey East Champions/Frozen Four Participant |
| 2000-01 | 39 | 20 | 12 | 7 | NCAA Tournament Participant |
| 2001-02 | 44 | 26 | 11 | 7 | NCAA Finals Participant |
| 2002-03 | 39 | 24 | 10 | 5 | NCAA Tournament Participant |
| 2003-04 | 44 | 33 | 8 | 3 | Hockey East Champions/NCAA Finals Participant |
| 2004-05 | 40 | 20 | 13 | 7 | NCAA Tournament Participant |
| 2005-06 | 42 | 28 | 12 | 2 | Frozen Four Participant |
| Totals | 1121 | 656 | 394 | 72 |
Hockey East Season-By-Season Record
| Season | GP | W | L | T |
| 1984-85 | 34 | 8 | 26 | 0 |
| 1985-86 | 34 | 8 | 25 | 1 |
| 1986-87 | 32 | 19 | 12 | 1 |
| 1987-88 | 26 | 20 | 4 | 2 |
| 1988-89 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 0 |
| 1989-90 | 21 | 14 | 6 | 1 |
| 1990-91 | 21 | 15 | 5 | 1 |
| 1991-92 | 21 | 12 | 7 | 2 |
| 1992-93 | 24 | 22 | 1 | 1 |
| 1993-94 | 24 | 3 | 20 | 1 |
| 1994-95 | 22 | 15 | 3 | 6 |
| 1995-96 | 24 | 14 | 6 | 4 |
| 1996-97 | 24 | 16 | 7 | 1 |
| 1997-98 | 24 | 10 | 11 | 3 |
| 1998-99 | 34 | 17 | 5 | 2 |
| 1999-00 | 24 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| 2000-01 | 24 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| 2001-02 | 24 | 14 | 5 | 5 |
| 2002-03 | 24 | 14 | 6 | 4 |
| 2003-04 | 34 | 17 | 5 | 2 |
| 2004-05 | 24 | 13 | 6 | 5 |
| 2005-06 | 27 | 17 | 8 | 2 |
| Totals | 297 | 182 | 48 |
[edit] Award Winners/Finalists
Steve Kariya:
- 1996 NCAA Hockey East All-Rookie.
- Winner of NCAA Sportsmanship Award in 1997, 1998, and 1999.
- NCAA All-America First Team in 1999.
- NCAA All-Star Team Hockey East in 1999.
Paul Kariya:
- NCAA Hockey East First All-Star Team in 1993.
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Winner in 1993.
- 1993 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Scott Pellerin:
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Winner in 1992.
Chris Imes:
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Runner-Up in 1995.
- 1993 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
- 1995 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Jean-Yves Roy:
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist in 1991.
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist in 1992.
- 1991 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Jim Montgomery:
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist in 1993.
- 1993 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Mike Golden:
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist in 1988.
Dave Capuano:
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist in 1988.
- Hobey Baker Memorial Award Finalist in 1989.
- 1988 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Jim Leger:
- 2000 College Hockey Humanitarian Award Winner.
Garth Snow:
- 1992 Hockey East Second All-Star Team
- 1993 Hockey East Second All-Star Team
- 1993 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Blair Allison:
- 1995 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Dan Shermerhorn:
- 1995 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Alfie Michaud:
- 1999 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
David Cullen:
- 1999 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Niko Dimitrakos:
- 1999 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Michael Schutte:
- 2002 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Peter Metcalf:
- 2002 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
Robert Liscak:
- 2002 NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team
[edit] Season By Season Leading Scorers
| Season | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
| 1978-79 | Gary Conn | 20 | 19 | 21 | 40 |
| 1979-80 | Gary Conn | 31 | 21 | 24 | 45 |
| 1980-81 | Gary Conn | 34 | 30 | 33 | 63 |
| 1981-82 | Robert Lafleur | 29 | 27 | 23 | 50 |
| 1982-83 | Ray Jacques | 29 | 15 | 18 | 33 |
| 1983-84 | Todd Bjorkstrand | 32 | 15 | 37 | 52 |
| 1984-85 | Ray Jacques | 41 | 14 | 27 | 41 |
| 1985-86 | John McDonald | 39 | 11 | 24 | 35 |
| 1986-87 | Dave Capuano | 38 | 18 | 41 | 59 |
| 1987-88 | Dave Capuano | 42 | 34 | 51 | 85 |
| 1988-89 | Dave Capuano | 41 | 37 | 30 | 67 |
| 1989-90 | Jean-Yves Roy | 46 | 39 | 26 | 65 |
| 1990-91 | Jean-Yves Roy | 43 | 37 | 45 | 82 |
| 1991-92 | Jim Montgomery | 37 | 21 | 44 | 65 |
| 1992-93 | Paul Kariya | 39 | 25 | 75 | 100 |
| 1993-94 | Mike Latendresse | 33 | 20 | 19 | 39 |
| 1994-95 | Jeff Tory | 40 | 13 | 42 | 55 |
| 1995-96 | Shawn Wansborough+ | 36 | 27 | 16 | 43 |
| 1995-96 | Dan Shermerhorn+ | 39 | 20 | 23 | 43 |
| 1996-97 | Steve Kariya | 35 | 19 | 31 | 50 |
| 1997-98 | Steve Kariya | 35 | 25 | 25 | 50 |
| 1998-99 | Steve Kariya | 41 | 27 | 38 | 65 |
| 1999-00 | Cory Larose | 39 | 15 | 36 | 51 |
| 2000-01 | Martin Kariya | 39 | 12 | 24 | 36 |
| 2001-02 | Niko Dimitrakos | 43 | 20 | 31 | 51 |
| 2002-03 | Martin Kariya | 39 | 14 | 36 | 50 |
| 2003-04 | Colin Shields | 44 | 18 | 26 | 44 |
| 2004-05 | Derek Damon | 39 | 14 | 13 | 27 |
| 2005-06 | Greg Moore | 41 | 28 | 16 | 44 |
The (+) denotes a tie in total points at the end of the season.
