University of Maine 2024–2025: Freel-ing good

[OronoKO]

Fortier coached in the Q

[Sparkee]

Barrs talked about some interesting recruiting tidbits n the uscho interview.
Basically its at the point where interested players contact the school now.
The QMJHL player potential was also talked about. Barr sounded as though its not in his wheelhouse as he doesnt feel he knows that world or maybe no connections over there. Not that its out if the question. He did mention Fourtier has good connections in the western CHL, Manitoba.

The guy scouting for us the most now is Eric Soltys. Barr mentions often what a help it is for Soltys to cover recruiting on the road so the other coaches can focus on the on-ice development. Soltys was a scout for 8 years for Rouyn-Noranda of QMJHL. He was also an amateur scout for 8 years after that for Calgary flames of NHL. So I think he would be very connected for QMJHL. Fortier also was an assistant for a year with Rouyn-Noranda of QMJHL. And one year for Kitchener of OHL.

[Sparkee]

Here is a map of the QMJHL teams: https://i0.wp.com/sportleaguemaps.co...-Map.jpg?ssl=1

State of Maine is surrounded on all side. I think Soltys will have fun touring the maritimes this winter.

[NorthMike]

The guy scouting for us the most now is Eric Soltys. Barr mentions often what a help it is for Soltys to cover recruiting on the road so the other coaches can focus on the on-ice development. Soltys was a scout for 8 years for Rouyn-Noranda of QMJHL. He was also an amateur scout for 8 years after that for Calgary flames of NHL. So I think he would be very connected for QMJHL. Fortier also was an assistant for a year with Rouyn-Noranda of QMJHL. And one year for Kitchener of OHL.

You'll have to take that up with coach, I just found it interesting how he responded to the QMJHL question.
Maybe its one of those dont want to say too much moments.

[umhockey91]

You'll have to take that up with coach, I just found it interesting how he responded to the QMJHL question.
Maybe its one of those dont want to say too much moments.

I think that plus he is making recruiting in-roads in places that traditional powers draw from....and now this pops up.....it's probably a bit frustrating even though it should in theory benefit Maine from a geographic perspective.

[tylerzx2002]

I think that plus he is making recruiting in-roads in places that traditional powers draw from....and now this pops up.....it's probably a bit frustrating even though it should in theory benefit Maine from a geographic perspective.

Both geographic and from an improving Alfond facility standpoint. If Maine can get a good foothold in the NIL market for any American players that choose the CHL route I think they're well positioned to benefit from these changes.

[Sparkee]

Almost the same line up as last time except Pichette is in for Califiore. Lesakowski still out. https://hockeyeastonline.com/pdf/20241108/mnem.pdf

[Sparkee]

Win or lose I hope Maine can compete and hang with BC. If BC is really a frozen four contender as they are ranked #2, it would be a great barometer if Maine can bring it to the final seconds in a tight game either way. I think there are 13 draft picks on BC, and another freshman set to be drafted as a top first round pick. Loaded with talent BC is… again.

[OronoKO]

Pichette replaces Calafiore.

[tylerzx2002]

Win or lose I hope Maine can compete and hang with BC. If BC is really a frozen four contender as they are ranked #2, it would be a great barometer if Maine can bring it to the final seconds in a tight game either way. I think there are 13 draft picks on BC, and another freshman set to be drafted as a top first round pick. Loaded with talent BC is… again.

Hopefully they run a similar game plan as last season. Maine was able to really bottle up and frustrate BC’s transition game through the neutral zone and they never really got a chance to get their game going.

I wouldn’t be surprised if a split is on the menu this weekend, but Maine is going to have to play disciplined and limit BC powerplay opps.

[Maine Pudge]

Nice touch by BC during warm ups having everyone in Gaudreau #13, Gaudreau #21, and Voce #13 jerseys. I wasn’t aware Tony Voce passed away suddenly this summer as well. He used to be one of those players you loved to hate. I will always remember Preston Ryan decking him into the end boards after he scored at Alfond on night causing a massive brawl. Apparently passed away of a heart attack at age 43. So sad. Left behind three daughters

[Sparkee]

Nice touch by BC during warm ups having everyone in Gaudreau #13, Gaudreau #21, and Voce #13 jerseys. I wasn’t aware Tony Voce passed away suddenly this summer as well. He used to be one of those players you loved to hate. I will always remember Preston Ryan decking him into the end boards after he scored at Alfond on night causing a massive brawl. Apparently passed away of a heart attack at age 43. So sad. Left behind three daughters

There will be a ceremony before the game for them.

On Voce, I remember he did a number on Preston too, left his skates, tackled him around the head, and bulldogged his head into the ice. I remember thinking that was not the player to be doing that with. Preston was a honey badger.

[tylerzx2002]

Both goalies really showing out in that first period.

Maine needs to do a much better job of taking care of pucks in their own end against a tenacious Eagles forecheck.

[Sparkee]

Tied 0-0 at first intermission.

Maine did well early, BC played better second half of the period. BC hit a couple posts. Shots are even at 13 apiece.

[Sparkee]

Both goalies really showing out in that first period.

Maine needs to do a much better job of taking care of pucks in their own end against a tenacious Eagles forecheck.

Yes, a lot of passes not quite getting to a guys tape. Frustrating to see the struggle getting puck through neutral zone. BC ended that period very well and they said it was 6 minutes of whistle free hockey. Guess we will see whose conditioning is best.