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UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

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  • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

    Originally posted by tylerzx2002 View Post
    Speaking of tickets, has anyone received their season ticket package yet? First game is less than two weeks from today.

    No haven't received mine.
    When you say Tim Whitehead, You haven't said much!!!

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    • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

      Originally posted by GoBlackBears View Post
      No haven't received mine.
      No tickets yet either. Thinking by the end of the week, Friday or Saturday. But then who knows....they always forget someone.

      Comment


      • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

        Originally posted by walrus View Post
        Great to have big guys but they couldn't keep up.
        I hope bhall predictions are correct, they might actually improve. Especially if swayman and bubba can push each other

        Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
        Lets hope so on the goaltending front, while @ Orono during the week of the Hall of Fame...heard many people "HIGH" on Swayman...glad to hear...BUT THEN again we have to see it on the ice.

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        • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

          Originally posted by Drew S. View Post
          my hope was a couple freshmen would be good enough to get on the top couple lines.
          Usually returning players occupy spots on the top two lines, unless the cupboard is pretty darn bare (like last year), or the recruit is very good. Certainly possible, and I wouldn't rule it out, that one of the Europeans sees time on the top 2 lines, although I suspect 1st line is pretty well set with Vesey, Pearson, Robbins.

          Originally posted by Drew S. View Post
          What are your projections on Doherty and Pieper?
          Would have loved to see Doherty activated last spring semester when we really needed help at LW and goal scoring. Pieper brings much needed help up the middle. Good centerman who was lost in the shuffle on some very talented Q teams. Last year we played with 2 true C's (Pearson & Lacroix). Brown played remarkably well at C but his talents would have been better suited at W. Housakos (the swiss army knife) was a converted D.

          Originally posted by Drew S. View Post
          I don't think Maine has ever had anywhere close to this big of roster.
          28 is about average NCAA roster size.

          Originally posted by Drew S. View Post
          Do you or anyone else know if Tiru is eligible?
          I have not heard, or seen, any evidence to suggest Tiuraniemi will not be eligible. European players rarely hang around if ineligible, in addition, I suspect the delayed unveiling of the roster was to ensure NCAA eligibility after the experience last fall.
          UMaine Black Bears Recruit Info Site GO BLUE!!

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          • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

            Originally posted by Ma#1ne Hky View Post
            Lets hope so on the goaltending front, while @ Orono during the week of the Hall of Fame...heard many people "HIGH" on Swayman...glad to hear...BUT THEN again we have to see it on the ice.
            "Swayman was rated 12th overall goaltender by NHL Central Scouting and was the 12th goaltender off the board at #111 overall. At 6’2” the Bruins picked up a goaltender here with good size and room to fill out even further. Swayman has good tools; he’s quick for his size and tries to use his large frame to his advantage. Swayman considers himself an aggressive goaltender and likes to challenge the shooter whenever possible, and while this is generally a good trait to have his risk-taking style has led him through a number of tough stretches in the past. That being said, Swayman put up pretty good numbers for the Sioux Falls Stampede posting a .914 and a 2.90 GAA while winning only seven of his 32 appearances."

            We've heard Alfie in interviews stress the importance of a goalie who is aggressive so it sounds like Swayman might be cut from the same cloth or at the very least have some of the same traits that will make him very coachable, which is a good sign. McGovern isn't as aggressive of a goaltender but you could see the strides he made improving his positioning last year which given his size is probably a smart route to take.

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            • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

              Originally posted by Bhall44 View Post
              Would have loved to see Doherty activated last spring semester when we really needed help at LW and goal scoring. Pieper brings much needed help up the middle. Good centerman who was lost in the shuffle on some very talented Q teams. Last year we played with 2 true C's (Pearson & Lacroix). Brown played remarkably well at C but his talents would have been better suited at W. Housakos (the swiss army knife) was a converted D.
              Any idea how well Pieper is in the face-off circle? Pearson (51.4%) and Shea (57.4%) are the only two returning players who showed prowess in that area. That should be a big focus.

              EDIT: To be fair, Fossier had 56.8% but with less than 50 face-offs taken so the sample size is small and he purely a winger.

              Comment


              • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                Originally posted by tylerzx2002 View Post
                Any idea how well Pieper is in the face-off circle?.
                I have no idea how Pieper is in the face-off circle. Glad you brought up the Shea stats. He primarily took faceoffs (162 total) when Cedric (47.4%, 445 total) got thrown out of the circle, which is quite often. Seems like that would have been a simple in season adjustment to make last year.
                UMaine Black Bears Recruit Info Site GO BLUE!!

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                • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                  Defense Recruit Preview

                  Strongest aspect of this recruiting class. Good thing too because this area is the biggest need for improvement from last season. Woefully thin and lacking in talent, the team skated 5 defensemen for long stretches too often. Whether it was inability to clear the puck, defensive zone turnovers, poor gap control, lack of speed, unnecessary penalties (the list goes on...), too many time this unit did not give McGovern a chance. Meanwhile, McGovern, looked like much more athletic compared to his first season in Orono and his save %, despite a defensive unit that digressed, reflected those improvements. However, consistency and concentration still need improvement.

                  #26 - Cam Spicer (‘96)
                  Pos: D Shot: R Ht: 6’1” Wt: 194
                  2016-17 Stats: Islanders HC (USPHL) 25GP 2G-7A-9P

                  Originally slated to come to Orono last season but was likely delayed due to injury. After spending two seasons in the USHL Spicer returned to New England to play for coach Sean Tremblay. Spicer is a defensive defensemen, nothing flashy just good sound defense. Plays physical, controls gaps. Good on his skates and displays good recovery speed. Makes good decisions and accurate passes. Clears the puck out of the zone efficiently. Plays smart and stays out of the penalty box. Offensive upside is limited.

                  2017/18 Outlook: Last season Spicer would have seen significant playing time as a third pairing defenseman. Tough to say this season where he slots in given the depth and competition at the D position. Likely to compete for a 3rd D pairing.

                  #25 - Brady Keeper (‘96)
                  Pos: D Shot: L Ht: 6’2” Wt:194
                  2016-17 Stats: OCN Blizzard (MJHL) 63GP-27G-37A-64P

                  Keeper earned MJHL Most Valuable Player and Defencemen of the Year honors in 2016-17. I only viewed one of his games. Offensive minded with a very good shot, as witnessed by his point totals. Likes to step up into the offensive play. Very good speed. Dangerous on the power play. Game I saw was difficult to gauge is defensive abilities as opponents did not display a lot of offensive skill. Prone to a lot of penalties. Level of past competition could mean big learning curve. Participated in 2017 Kings development camp. With continued development could be a Matt Mangene type.

                  2017/18 Outlook: Will compete for a role as a third pairing defensemen. Team need on power play unit may get him playing time. Potential exists for a position change to F, although more likely to remain at D. Difficult to project due to level of competition.


                  #20 - Veli-Matti Tiuraniemi (‘97)
                  Pos: D Shot: L Ht: 6’0” Wt: 181
                  2016-17 Stats: Dubuque (USHL) 61 GP 4G-22A-26P

                  Committed late in season and so I had only limited viewings. Offensive minded presence on the blue line. Good quick shot from the point. Walks the blue line very well. Plays good sound defense focused on position and gap control. Ability to quarterback a power play. Stays out of the penalty box. Smooth skater. Not overly physical but has enough strength. Will need to adjust to speed of NCAA game and keep play in front of him. Reminds me of a UNH type defensemen.

                  2017/18 Outlook: Should be immediate contributor in top six pairing. Potential role on the power play.

                  #16 - Alexis Binner (‘98)
                  Pos: D Shot: L Ht: 6’4” Wt:210
                  2016-17 Stats: Green Bay (USHL) 55GP-2G-5A-7P

                  A late ‘98, Binner is the youngest member, and perhaps most NHL upside, of this year’s UMaine recruiting class. Binner possesses ideal size, is capable in all three zones, displays excellent poise with the puck, and makes smart plays. He plays strong down low and is able to disrupt plays with his size and length. Able to pass or skate the puck out of own zone. Does not take many penalties. Offensive game is solid but still improving.

                  2017/18 Outlook: Binner’s presence should provide immediate defensive improvements to a UMaine blue line that was severely outclassed last season. Has potential to play a top 4 defensemen role and contribute on the penalty kill. With continued offensive development may contribute on power play down the road.

                  Goalkeeper

                  #1 - Jeremy Swayman (‘98)
                  Pos: G Catch: L Ht: 6’2” Wt: 183
                  2016-17 Stats: Sioux Falls (USHL) 31GP 2.90 GAA .914SV%

                  2017 Bruins 4th round draft pick. Faced a ton of shots last year for a Sioux Falls team that was inexperienced in front of him. Extremely athletic and aggressive goaltender with desirable size and good vision. Very smooth and fluid going post to post. Likes to challenge the shooter. Effective with glove and blocker. Has all the physical tools. At times relies a little too much on athleticism and weak side defender to control rebounds. Likes to come out of the crease and play the puck. Aggressiveness can lead to unnecessary risk taking. Needs to improve and become exceptional at rebound control for continued success. Needs to improve consistency and refinement. Hard work, time, and patience needed to reach full potential. As a late ‘98 another year of USHL development would have been nice but team need brings him in this fall. Most potential in net at Orono in a long time.

                  2017/18 Outlook: Will certainly get an opportunity in net. Likely to earn a split of duties. Does have the potential to capture full time job by end of season, although more likely next year. Not a Howard or Bishop on day one. Important to be patient as he develops.
                  UMaine Black Bears Recruit Info Site GO BLUE!!

                  Comment


                  • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                    Originally posted by Bhall44 View Post
                    Usually returning players occupy spots on the top two lines, unless the cupboard is pretty darn bare (like last year), or the recruit is very good. Certainly possible, and I wouldn't rule it out, that one of the Europeans sees time on the top 2 lines, although I suspect 1st line is pretty well set with Vesey, Pearson, Robbins.



                    Would have loved to see Doherty activated last spring semester when we really needed help at LW and goal scoring. Pieper brings much needed help up the middle. Good centerman who was lost in the shuffle on some very talented Q teams. Last year we played with 2 true C's (Pearson & Lacroix). Brown played remarkably well at C but his talents would have been better suited at W. Housakos (the swiss army knife) was a converted D.



                    28 is about average NCAA roster size.



                    I have not heard, or seen, any evidence to suggest Tiuraniemi will not be eligible. European players rarely hang around if ineligible, in addition, I suspect the delayed unveiling of the roster was to ensure NCAA eligibility after the experience last fall.
                    It will be interesting to see Vesey, Pearson, and Robbins. They'll do very well athletically but there is no real playmaker in that group and I'm not sure Robbins' hands are good enough to be on the top line. I'm looking forward to this team a lot, and as you laid out in your other post Maine should have much improved defense, but Maine desperately needs a few of the new forwards to step up. Fossier is the only guy coming back with a lot of skill.
                    Originally posted by BobbyBrady
                    Crosby probably wouldn't even be on BC's top two lines next year

                    Comment


                    • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                      Nice review. Hope to see some talent on the ice. Really hope we have a goalie in Swayman. Haven't had much of a goalie in a long time.

                      Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
                      I swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell.

                      Maine Hockey Love it or Leave it

                      Comment


                      • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                        Originally posted by walrus View Post
                        Nice review. Hope to see some talent on the ice. Really hope we have a goalie in Swayman. Haven't had much of a goalie in a long time.
                        The .912 SV% McGovern put up with the defense in front of him last year is nothing to scoff at. He is more than serviceable and should make for a good half of a tandem to let Swayman get acclimated to the college game. And if Swayman isn't ready for some reason, at least Bubba can be counted on to carry the mail if necessary, which is kind of a relief.

                        Comment


                        • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                          Originally posted by tylerzx2002 View Post
                          The .912 SV% McGovern put up with the defense in front of him last year is nothing to scoff at. He is more than serviceable and should make for a good half of a tandem to let Swayman get acclimated to the college game. And if Swayman isn't ready for some reason, at least Bubba can be counted on to carry the mail if necessary, which is kind of a relief.
                          Yeah, should give bubba more credit. He improved a lot from 1st to 2nd season. He got no help at all.

                          Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
                          I swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell.

                          Maine Hockey Love it or Leave it

                          Comment


                          • Originally posted by tylerzx2002 View Post
                            The .912 SV% McGovern put up with the defense in front of him last year is nothing to scoff at. He is more than serviceable and should make for a good half of a tandem to let Swayman get acclimated to the college game. And if Swayman isn't ready for some reason, at least Bubba can be counted on to carry the mail if necessary, which is kind of a relief.
                            I think both would benefit from splitting the duties. I'm pretty sure Swayman's worst part of the season was when playing every game. It seemed with Bub he would have a few good weeks then go to hell after that. I'm not sure if it's conditioning or what. The other frustrating thing with Bub was he would make a dozen great saves then let in a howler. He needs to be a bit more consistent this year.
                            Originally posted by BobbyBrady
                            Crosby probably wouldn't even be on BC's top two lines next year

                            Comment


                            • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                              Originally posted by Drew S. View Post
                              I think both would benefit from splitting the duties. I'm pretty sure Swayman's worst part of the season was when playing every game. It seemed with Bub he would have a few good weeks then go to hell after that. I'm not sure if it's conditioning or what. The other frustrating thing with Bub was he would make a dozen great saves then let in a howler. He needs to be a bit more consistent this year.
                              You could definitely sense Bubba was compensating for his lateral movement by improving his positioning, but that still leaves him vulnerable to poor rebound control and opposing teams pounced on that weakness last year. That's definitely a fixable trait, so hopefully it's something Alfie has picked up on while watching game film and made a point of emphasis to work on with Bubba this season. He has great size and if his post-to-post game improves that's even better to bail out the defensive lapses that are probably going to occur.

                              Maine always seems to be better when they have two capable netminders splitting the load. Snow/Dunham, Morrison/Yeats, Howard/Doyle, etc. For some reason the competition seems to bring out the best of them and they tend to stay fresher over the length of a season. There are some exceptions to that (Allison, Bishop, Michaud, etc.) but I'd much prefer a tandem to form.

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                              • Re: UMaine Black Bears, 2017-2018 season, is this Reds last stand?

                                Would be ok to see McGovern on Friday nights and Swayman on Saturday nights....go from there and if one pushes for the #1 job then so be it, but maybe a tandem for the first say 8-10 games...if they both can handle the job.

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