It certainly seems that Head Coach Ben Barr is well on his way to returning the on-ice product to equity with the off-ice support. Hand-in-hand, these two factors are working in tandem to reinvigorate, rebuild, and bring about the rebirth of the successes of winter's long past.

Even the always-focused Ben Barr couldn't help but crack a smile and laugh when a dozen or so fans thanked the PA Announcer for telling them how many minutes left in the period there were. "One minute left to play in the period." "Thank you!" "You're welcome." We were all glad to be back among the familiar sights and sounds.

Ben the Builder

Barr certainly should have a lot to smile about. Since he was named Head Coach in the Spring of 2021, things have been going in the right direction. The Athletic Department, the University, and the fans have fully backed him.

As he certainly should be.

Most of his coaching career has revolved around rebuilding and reviving struggling College Hockey programs. Known for being an excellent recruiter, Barr was integral to putting together an astonishing three National Championship teams in recent years. Union in 2012, Providence in 2015, and UMass in 2021. Wherever Barr has been— Success has followed.

His heartfelt letter to the Maine Hockey Faithful days after the playoff loss to Vermont ended last season shows just how perfect he is for the challenge of turning this particular program around.

He cares as much as we do.

Not only about the team but about us, too. I remember Barr coming out in that letter saying how completely heartbroken he was after the loss. How he has experienced plenty of tough season-ending losses in his career, but how seeing the disappointment on our faces after the Vermont game was as difficult an ending to a season as he had experienced. He did not mention that he was heartbroken for himself or his team but for us. He wants to win for us.

Barr knows the formula and the steps to rebuilding a program. I remember during his first season at Maine he would always stress the need for a consistent effort level from his players. Some nights, that work ethic was there; some nights, it wasn't, and most of the time, it wasn't there for all 60 minutes.

That first season, while the results certainly didn't go the Black Bears' way, finishing dead last in Hockey East, you could see the building blocks for his program being implemented and ingrained. At the start of that season, the team often looked wholly outmatched, but there were glimpses, especially during the second half, that they were beginning to find their identity. Maine started to use their effort and work ethic not necessarily to win many games but to keep themselves in games and competing.

Last year, he took these themes to the next step. Implementing this "necessity of being the hardest working team on the ice every night" mindset into the fabric and culture of the team. Demanding that not only does the effort have to consistently be there for a full 60 minutes but that the standards of the group as a whole need to be raised. Better teammates, better leaders, better students, better players.

When talking about age-old hockey tropes like raising standards, compete-level, and work ethic — are much easier said than done. But, it is notable how bought in his players seem to be to these ideas and to this team identity. Pretty much the entirety of the team has spent the past two summers together in Orono at optional practices and workouts every day. Quite a drastic change from the Red Gendron days, where the ice would be taken out of the Alfond during the summer, and all the players would go home.

The foundation going forward is there now. The building blocks are in place.

The next step for the evolution of Barr's Black Bears is learning to deal with expectations.

After a strong January and February last season, the team faced something they'd never dealt with before.

The expectation to win.

And they seemed to be overwhelmed by it. Losing their last three games of the season, including that painfully disappointing playoff loss. Barr acknowledged that expectation was brand-new to the team, and his team could not take the next step and perform under those expectations.

That is this year's step.

Learning to deal with and succeed under the lofty expectations that they earned last year and which we, the Alfond Faithful, have put on them.

Embedding learning to play under increased expectations into the dressing room culture will be a major focus for Barr this year and a further pushing of the standards of Maine Hockey. But if successful, it could get Maine to the doorstep of reawakening the second puzzle piece for success.

And what are the expectations for the Black Bears this season? What does that next step look like? A playoff win? An NCAA Tournament appearance? Hockey East semifinalists? Above 500 win percentage?

The Hockey East Preseason Poll voted on by coaches has Maine at ninth. Only above UNH and UVM. Certainly lower than what Black Bear Nation believes its team will be able to do, especially after finishing sixth in the regular season standings last year. But go ahead. Let them underestimate this team; maybe they won't take us as seriously, and we can give the conference a rude awakening by springing a surprise attack.

Don't wake the sleeping bear.

I certainly think we can be a better team than some of those who are ranked just above us in the preseason poll. UConn, Providence, Umass-Lowell, and UMass, I believe, are all within reach of being overtaken by the Black Bears in the standings. And Maine can beat any team in the conference on their night, including the big boys from Boston.

In terms of my expectations? At a minimum, I would be happy with a playoff win. Maine hasn't won a playoff game since 2018, and in my opinion, it seemed to be the only thing making last season not feel like a complete success in terms of this rebuild. Making it to the Garden as a Conference Tournament semifinalist would be dreamland, but I don't think that is quite this year's goal yet.

Not quite yet.

And I certainly do not think Maine can make it to the National Tournament, but a fanbase can dream.

And we are beginning to dream again. This is a journey — and we are well on our way to where we want to be. Together, on and off the ice. Players, coaches, and fans. All marching forward together once again.

Let's enjoy the journey.

The Team

For the Black Bears to be successful on the ice, they need to play to their identity of outworking the opponent. But they also need to figure out how to score some goals.

Maine ranked 44th out of the 61 D-1 College Hockey teams in scoring last season. That drastically needs to improve if this team can get anywhere close to where we and they hope to be. Of the 27 players on the roster, 18 are either Freshmen or Sophomores, and the team lost many players this offseason to the Transfer Portal or Graduation.

Forwards Michael Mancinelli, Killian Kiecker-Olson, Defenseman Dawson Bruneski, Robert Kincaid, Samuel Duerr, and Goaltender Jacob Mucitelli all left the program for the Transfer Portal. While UMaine graduated, Forwards Justin Michaelian, Matthew Fawcett, Didrik Hendbrant, and Senior Defenseman and team leader Jakub Sirota.

This year's team will rely heavily on a balance of vital production from the experienced upperclassmen and talented depth from the underclassmen taking the next step up.

Goaltenders

Victor Ostman — The fan-favorite Swede is back for his Senior year, looking to improve upon a breakout 2022-23 campaign that recognized him with a Hockey East Second Team Award. His Hockey East tying 5 Shutout Games on top of a 12th best in the nation, 2.21 Goals Against Average, led him to be a finalist for the Mike Richter Award (best goaltender in the country). Sometimes, his consistency was lacking, but that may have to do with being fatigued last season, as Ostman will need a reliable backup to come in and spell him at times. He was invited to the Kraken's Development Camp this summer.

Connor Androlewicz — Also a Senior, Androlewicz will be asked to take on a much more significant role this year. Only appearing in 6 games during his 3 seasons at Maine, he will need to drastically improve upon his .873 Career Save % if he is going to be a successful number 2 behind Ostman. He attended his hometown Blues' Development Camp over the summer.

Albin Boija — A last-minute addition to the roster. Only joining the team because the NCAA deemed Partiks Berzins ineligible, as the league he played for in Latvia was ruled professional. The NCAA slapped Berzins with a 20-game suspension, but the Black Bears, needing three goalies for the entirety of the season, sent Berzins back to juniors. The NCAA later rescinded Berzins' suspension as he and many other Latvian players were deemed to have retained their amateur status. Berzins will join the Black Bears next year and has already spent an entire summer practicing and working out with Maine. Boija is an athletic goalie who was referred to the program by Barr's friend. Boija is said to be very competitive, with a great attitude, and will look to push Androlewicz for the second spot.

Defensemen

David Breazeale — It is incredible just how under-the-radar Breazelae was before college that the Junior was almost completely overlooked by all D1 programs before joining Maine at the last second before the 2021-22 season. He will be serving as Co-Captain this year. A breakout player in his Freshman year, the Bears will rely on the big defensemen's good skating ability, two-way game, and excellent leadership to guide the defense. Breazeale was invited to the Kings Development Camp this summer.

Brandon Holt — The Sophomore from North Dakota will hope to have a healthier season than last. He missed the final 12 games of the season with a broken finger. The Defensive-Defencemen's future looks bright as he was invited to the Coyotes Development Camp and will look to kick on during his second campaign.

Luke Antonacci — Another strong defensive Sophomore. Antonacci led the team last year with 51 blocked shots and appeared in all 36 games last season.

Ryan Hopkins — The incoming Freshman from Nova Scotia spent last season as teammates with the Nadeau brothers in Penticton, BC. Some scouts were surprised that Holt wasn't picked in the NHL Draft.

Grayson Arnott — Perhaps the most likely right-handed shot to pair with Breazeale on the top defensive line, Arnott started 34 of Maine's 36 games last year and will look to continue his strong two-way play.

Liam Lesakowski — A left-handed shooting Freshman from Buffalo, NY. At 6'5", Lesakowski will look to provide much-needed size to the Bear's blue line.

Brandon Chabrier — Another defenseman from New York, the well-rounded Sophomore from Bayville will look to improve upon a 29-game season and be an important and regular player for the Black Bears.

Bodie Nobes — The right-handed shooting Freshman from Québec played for the Canadian school Stanstead College between 2018 and 2020 before moving to the CCHL and then the USHL.

Forwards

Cole Hanson — The Junior Center, playing his second season for the Black Bears after transferring from Colgate, will look to improve upon a successful season last year. Starting all 36 games, he scored his first 2 goals for Maine in that big win over Quinnipiac last October.

Donovan Houle — Donny Hockey will be relied upon for his offensive production this season. His combination of speed, strength, and good stick skills make him a threat on a fast break. I think he may be one of the most underrated players in the league. Mainly playing last year at Right Wing, he could see some time on the left to allow him a better angle at goal to emphasize his strong shot.

Sully Scholle — Originally scheduled to join the team for the 2024-25 season, the departure of Mancinelli allowed Scholle to join this year. The Minnesotan is said to be a hard worker and an excellent skater. Scholle is a left-handed shot that can play either wing.

Aiden Carney — Son of UMaine All-American and long-time NHLer Keith. Last season, the big-tall left winger was a responsible 4th liner. During the open scrimmage, Carney wore orange, signaling an injury, and he spent the scrimmage serving as referee.

Félix Trudeau — The highly touted Sophomore from Québec had a disappointing season last year, mainly due to battling injuries all season. The tall winger will look to kick on his sophomore year and be a top points producer.

Parker Lindauer — Sophomore Center Lindauer only appeared in 15 games last season. He is neighbors with fellow Wisconsinite and teammate Reid Pabich.

Reid Pabich — Sophomore right-shooting Right-Winger, Pabich played in 31 games last season, tallying 7 points as a Black Bear.

Anthony Calafiore — A small Right-Winger Freshman from Staten Island scored 20 goals in 54 games last year in the NAHL.

Harrison Scott — A left-shooting Junior transfer from Bentley, the Center scored 8 goals last year for the Falcons, including two against Maine.

Nicholas Niemo — Another transfer from Bentley, the Sophomore winger led the team in scoring last season and was named to Atlantic Hockey's All-Rookie Team. He also scored a goal against Maine last season.

Ben Poisson — Playing in his 5th season for the Black Bears, the left-shooting winger scored 9 goals and assisted 17 last season. A strong offensive player, Maine will highly rely on his production this season. He was invited to the Blue Jackets Development Camp this summer.

Thomas Freel — The flying Scot, Freel played in all 36 games for the Bears last year during his Freshman campaign. A hard worker, he excels in all situations in a game and is an excellent shot-blocker.

Nolan Renwick — The Junior from Saskatchewan contributed to 20 points in all 36 games last year. The tall power forward can play on the wing or at Center and is a right-handed shot. It is still yet to be seen if Renwick will become a top-line scoring producer or if he will become a valuable depth piece this season.

Lynden Breen — The standout Center last year for Maine. He was named Hockey East's Second Team last year and is an expert on the Penalty-Kill — he is the national leader in SHG. Last year, he scored 21 goals and assisted 15. He was named Co-Captain this year. Although he is small, he is terrific down low and in tight spaces. It will be interesting to see if he ends up centering for the Nadeau brothers this season. Attended Canucks Development Camp over the summer.

Josh Nadeau — The older Nadeau brother from New Brunswick, right on the border with Maine. Undersized but an extremely hard-working Right-Winger. He helped his brother lead Penticton to BCHL champions last season. He joined Bradly at Hurricanes' Development Camp this summer.

Bradly Nadeau — The first-round draft pick of the Hurricanes and widely regarded as Canada's best Junior A player last year. Nadeau can play Center but also Left-Wing. He's a pure goal scorer with an NHL-caliber shot. Nadeau likes to either shoot a one-timer from the left face-off circle or use his quick hands to get down-low and score. Paul Kariya was also a Peniction Vee the year before he won a Hobey Baker at Maine….

Artyom Duda — While his eligibility is questionable this season — he wasn't allowed to scrimmage with the team last Sunday and spent it watching while on a stationary bike — he is a 2nd Round Draft pick by the Coyotes out of Russia, where he played last year for a couple of different teams in Moscow, putting his amateur status in question. The Defensemen is offensive-minded, likes to play aggressively and pinch in at the points. He is a good skater, an accurate passer, and very good at driving to the net. We will see what the NCAA decides on his eligibility. It would be a massive boost if he is allowed to play, although it is not looking good….

UNH Preview at Colby

While it's only an exhibition, it's never a friendly game against the University of No Hardware. A preseason win would be great, but losing would almost certainly feel like an absolute nightmare. Especially to them. A team we should be much better than. And nothing would dampen the good spirit more than losing to them right before the season starts.

More than anything, it is going to be a great preview and dress rehearsal for what we might expect to see for the all-important Opening Weekend against RPI.

It will be intriguing to see which lines Barr will roll with.

Particularly the forward line, which was hard to keep consistent during the scrimmage as each team had a number of forwards not divisible by 3. So, it was impossible to keep lines together.

I'm specifically interested in seeing who is on a line with the Nadeau brothers if Bradly is at Center. Or if he goes over to the left and Breen centers with his brother on the right, creating an all-New Brunswick line. I also wonder if Renwick will play more on the Center or the wing. Similarly, it will be interesting to see which wing position Poisson and Houle play on who could get their regular wing positions inverted.

The defensive pairings are a little more straightforward, as the number allowed them to be consistent during last week's scrimmage. If it stays the same as last weekend. Expect to see a pair of Breazeale and Arnott, Holt and Antonacci, Hopkins and Chabrier, and Lesakowski and Nobes.

Hopefully, Aiden Carney can compete in a full-contact game. And I will keep an eye on who performs better in the battle for backup goalie.

More than anything, I'm just over the moon that Maine Hockey is back, and I am ready to continue this journey with all of you. Let this be a Winter to remember.