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Maine Black Bears 2026 Offseason: Missing Out on Mistlebacher

You are right on the money. Chasing draft pick stars sometimes just doesn't work. Better off having hard working players that elevate eachother.
I think their has to be a mix as you need guys who individually can put the biscuit in the basket. But its very much a team game so the team is first. when we learned 13 guys were coming, we knew it was going to be a tough job for Barr to get them on same page. Hopefully he can handle that this year
 
I think their has to be a mix as you need guys who individually can put the biscuit in the basket. But its very much a team game so the team is first. when we learned 13 guys were coming, we knew it was going to be a tough job for Barr to get them on same page. Hopefully he can handle that this year

Dead on in my mind. Yeah, great to have a bunch of hard working grinders making the opponent's night miserable. But, if you're stuck in a 1-1 game in the third and nothing is happening offensively it's real nice to have an NHL draft pick who can just say "f*** it, I'll score" and actually do it.
 
Farm boy, too.

Klimpke is listed at 6'2" 174, bringing in some veteran size. I also like how Parks has some power play experience, 7 of his 14 goals are ppg.
Ever since we got bullied that weekend down in providence it was obvious the team was lacking in size. Barr coaches a very physical brand of hockey and its harder for the smaller guys over the course of the season to maintain that physicality. I think he has realized that for his system to work, he needs some big boys that wont get physically worn down as the season progresses.
 
Ever since we got bullied that weekend down in providence it was obvious the team was lacking in size. Barr coaches a very physical brand of hockey and its harder for the smaller guys over the course of the season to maintain that physicality. I think he has realized that for his system to work, he needs some big boys that wont get physically worn down as the season progresses.
The big guys have to be able to keep up though. No good if they lack speed. But I agree, Maine needs some size
 
I think their has to be a mix as you need guys who individually can put the biscuit in the basket. But its very much a team game so the team is first. when we learned 13 guys were coming, we knew it was going to be a tough job for Barr to get them on same page. Hopefully he can handle that this year
Yep can't just ignore the high pedigree guys, so it'll be up to Barr/staff to do their due diligence when it comes to assessing character. Obviously having more time to scout these CHL guys will make that process easier for them going forward too.
 
I really like the Parks pickup. I remember him causing havoc against Maine previously, and I think he's pretty fast too, so a big guy with speed and energy who has PP scoring touch might just be what the doctor ordered.
 
Based on what I'm seeing so far, I'd feel pretty comfortable with:

Voronin | Scott | Russell
Klimpke | Lipinski | Parks
Scholle | Fowler | Fleece
Gerrior | Komarov | Pichette

Langlois | Peterson
Lafton | Bales
Usereau | Siciliano (or preferably a natural RHD)

Boija
Wickström Stumer

Fowler mostly handled his own in the dot last year to the point where I'd be okay if he gets full time duties there so we can finally stop miscasting Scholle as a center.
 
None of the transfers in are shorter than 6'. Seems like the coaches agreed we needed more size
Maine was 5'11 on average last season 63rd in the NCAA (last), and 182.8 lbs on average (tied 56th in the NCAA). A much needed improvement. Should be around an inch taller (better than 55th for the 25-26 season) on average and around 189 lbs (around 25th for the 25-26 season) as of now.
 
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