UncleRay
M-A-I-N-E, GooOOO, Blue!
At -25 a skeptic might wonder whether he has any defensive instincts, or simply plays offense from the blue line.
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UMaine 25-26: Marques My Word: Back to the Big Time
- Thread starter UncleRay
- Start date
tylerzx2002
Well-known member
Adding my line projections here as well. I'll be excited to know when the Alfond is opened up enough for practice access.
Poirier | Scott | Marques
Freel | Lipinski | Nadeau
Fowler | Komarov | Russell
Scholle | Pichette | Peluso
Holt | Chabrier
Usereau | Djurasevic
Langlois | Peterson
Boija
BENCH:
Gerrior | James | Calafiore
Coughlin | Nobes | Arnott | Motew
Rousseau | Stewart
Fourth line will probably be in flux all season as Barr likes to mix and match there, but I think Pichette earned the spot to start with his responsible two-way play (albeit in limited minutes). If Langlois is healthy I'd think he'd have the edge for one of the starting D spots, but who knows if there is any rust with his long injury layoff. Really like the depth we have coming into this season.
Poirier | Scott | Marques
Freel | Lipinski | Nadeau
Fowler | Komarov | Russell
Scholle | Pichette | Peluso
Holt | Chabrier
Usereau | Djurasevic
Langlois | Peterson
Boija
BENCH:
Gerrior | James | Calafiore
Coughlin | Nobes | Arnott | Motew
Rousseau | Stewart
Fourth line will probably be in flux all season as Barr likes to mix and match there, but I think Pichette earned the spot to start with his responsible two-way play (albeit in limited minutes). If Langlois is healthy I'd think he'd have the edge for one of the starting D spots, but who knows if there is any rust with his long injury layoff. Really like the depth we have coming into this season.
grooverider
Your Team Sucks
Marques is not sitting. That's confirmed. There is a reason why we lured him here..not to sit on the bench
Sparkee
Blackbear
The annual Alfond Golf Fundraiser… https://youtu.be/daDDhob1EL4?si=DJFrKrFDa0J-T4Ft
McGoverners
Active member
The band is officially back in the student section!
Happy August ladies and gentlemen. Super excited and wanted to share my totally candid, potentially offensive take on the most fascinating members of this team IMO. I know a lot of people get chewed up on here for criticism sometimes lol. I'm throwing out tough words but am not trying to be overly critical or unfair to anyone. I'll start w a couple softballs/conservative takes and then jump into hard talk:
Here are key points:
-This team will be FAST and hard nosed
-This is a make or break yr for Josh, Sully and Komarov at Maine
-Barr should be feeling the pressure to try something new and show better results
-Lukas Peterson has something to prove
-Albin and Frank are studs; full stop, no doubts
Frank D - He is a man, the man, a beast, and has a very high floor
Chabrier - Know what to expect; Could make big strides re: puck moving, skating, touch, shot
Luke Coughlin - Good player; long powerful strides. Needs to work on his hands and puck possession. Could be very very solid for Maine depending on the direction him and his game grows. Looks pretty big out there, has natural ability, and I'm guessing poise and leadership ability. I expect slow development and that's ok
Oskar - Shows promise and if paired w the right people, could hit it big time. It is a crowded lineup though. I am confused as to why he's bulking up? 200 lb at 6'0" - I am hoping this is faceoff related but am afraid this impacts his speed and energy; does anyone have any idea of the plan? He REALLY needs to spend the whole summer working on faceoffs. I want to see with better players that elevate him.
Max Scott - I literally don't know where he fits in but he is good enough and versatile enough
Rousseau - I understand he was on a big stage once, but is he that good? Is he better than Berzins? Why do we think he is going to be so good?
Josh - A lot to say. I hope he's having a reality check summer and spending serious time w a sports psychologist, in the weight room, or whatever is he needed to have a total attitude/outlook/confidence shift, and take his career seriously. I get it. He was the older brother and the stud for 15+ yrs of hockey until under three yrs ago. His younger brother got bigger, silkier, luckier. That can be really tough to work through. A yr from now he could be heading into his senior yr as an anchor, w a serious shot at a national championship, and the potential to go down as one of Maine's all time greats and the marquee player at the monumental time in a storied program's history. He is good enough to make it, and if he does everything necessary he might be good enough to be a star at the big show too. It all depends on what he started this summer. And I really hope there's someone who makes sure he knows and believes this. I want to see him with high skill linemates who he can throw no-look passes back and forth with
Poirier - Similar play to Josh, less skilled, more magic, more charisma - but that could be just high confidence. More dominating than Brad but less skill and poise. He is a complete force and a natural scorer. Great weight and grit. Idk if his game has faced adversity or confidence blows; Big q marks about his ability to dominate against NCAA sized opponent. I want to see him w high skill linemates who he can get the puck to when he gets stuck, or who can get him the puck in tight situations
Miguel - All around good player with silky hard shot. Great anticipation, passing, and touch. His snipes are beauties, but he waits for his moment - and that could be a tough adjustment to the pressure that comes w the college game. I think he would adjust by starting to pass more quickly vs. shoot more quickly. In any scenario, his hockey iq and instinct is still high, so I don't think the adjustment will be a liability. I want to see him with high skill players that draw attention from him and give him time and space to shoot his trademark shot
Will Gerrior - Pitbull, grinder, with good hands and puck protection. Makes the play happen for himself, but isn't a playmaker. Seems like holding onto the puck gives him the extra boost, but he can't deliver the magic when he hands it off. Harrison Scott type finisher. Moves like Joey Diamond but I think a better player. Looks physically strong against CHL opponents. Needs to learn how to pass. We will see how this plays out. I want to see him with high energy guys looking to charge the net, and that are skillful enough to bury rebounds
Sully - Needs to work on shot and finish; it was an unlucky year, and if it was a lucky one he would've had 3x as many goals. Works hard and is smooth and skillful. He NEEDS to pick a playing style and lean in and really find his identity. He already has grit, energy, and is a solid skater. His shot and hands are awesome. Screw being more well-rounded, I hope he spends an entire Summer just focusing on dangling and sniping and becoming one of the best and top three offensive difference makers. Has been my favorite player since he arrived. I want to see him with a net-front screener/disruptor and a top tier passer/playmaker.
Charlie Russell - He hustles; you don't really notice him until he darts across space and makes a big on something that seemed out of reach. I think he is a workhorse in all situation. Amazing amazing skater and changes direction on a dim. Has more established vision and hockey IQ than Sully and kind of a sixth sense, but I think he has a lower ceiling than Sully, and his stamina and energy pacing is an issue. I think he can fit in anywhere
Owen - Keep the attitude and energy high and keeps on trucking. Was featured a lot on the Blackbear Hockey IG this summer; hoping that means he is locked in and no surprises or development lags
Freel - can also fit in anywhere
Brock James - Nice to see a Maine kid and a big body
Jaden - Gritty-leaning big guy with a good touch. Good hockey sense and hands. Polished. I want to see him jamming in rebounds and clogging the middle while a top tier shooter snipes from the perimeter
Lukas Peterson - This dude is such a New Jersey kid I am so stoked. He seems like a monster. Great speed and tenacity. Undersized and young. Could've easily stayed in USHL another season. Will be extremely aggressive in the locker room, on the ice, and has something to prove.
Langlois - Great at finding space and getting the shot off. Will set up amazing rebounds for the gritty guys w good hands. Serious pucklugger and solid passer; another force against CHL opponents. Hope he is in it for the longhaul and not a quick stopover/recuperation
Benny Barr - The savior. Amazing community member, spokesmen, fundraiser, and team builder. Tough, fair, discipline-focused. 0-2 in getting the best out of his boys when it matters most. An adjustment is needed big time. This past team WAS good enough - and from early March on they looked wiped, scared, tense, UNCONFIDENT almost every time they walked from the bus into the arena. It was CLEAR based on that walk, how they would come out and play. There was waaaaayyyy too much pressure. They wanted it too badly. They choke. And it is not about lack of stamina, and it is not about lack of belief in themselves, and it is not about lack of discipline, and it is not about lack of work ethic and hustle, and it is not because they weren't good enough. Benny isn't Walsh, and when people defend him against the things others have said, and talk about his coaching style - he should not be compared to Walsh; it's a cheap answer and comparison. Walsh was a firecracker and a world class motivator. Barr is stoic and tough and an excellent coach, developer, and PR man. He NEEDS a motivator on his staff and in the locker room. Someone to make it fun, push the right buttons, and hype the boys up when it's hard and when they're tired and discouraged. This is yr 4, Ben is learning and we will see
Rick Bennett - Pedigree. Outside of that Idk what he brings to the table that Barr doesn't bring. Is he known for being particularly good at developing a certain player type? He doesn't solve any of the Barr issues above, and I think could only make it worse. I don't like it and think it's a missed opportunity. I hope I am wrong and absolutely 1000% could be
One more thing I want to note about Josh. He works very hard - sometimes. Barr is trying to keep him happy, praise him; tolerates stuff he wouldn't from a less star-caliber player. When he scored others didn't skate over and celebrate him as enthusiastically. When they won at big moments, or the HE Championship, he skates around by himself and isnt warmly invited in. Something was going on in the locker room and it was obvious
Here are key points:
-This team will be FAST and hard nosed
-This is a make or break yr for Josh, Sully and Komarov at Maine
-Barr should be feeling the pressure to try something new and show better results
-Lukas Peterson has something to prove
-Albin and Frank are studs; full stop, no doubts
Frank D - He is a man, the man, a beast, and has a very high floor
Chabrier - Know what to expect; Could make big strides re: puck moving, skating, touch, shot
Luke Coughlin - Good player; long powerful strides. Needs to work on his hands and puck possession. Could be very very solid for Maine depending on the direction him and his game grows. Looks pretty big out there, has natural ability, and I'm guessing poise and leadership ability. I expect slow development and that's ok
Oskar - Shows promise and if paired w the right people, could hit it big time. It is a crowded lineup though. I am confused as to why he's bulking up? 200 lb at 6'0" - I am hoping this is faceoff related but am afraid this impacts his speed and energy; does anyone have any idea of the plan? He REALLY needs to spend the whole summer working on faceoffs. I want to see with better players that elevate him.
Max Scott - I literally don't know where he fits in but he is good enough and versatile enough
Rousseau - I understand he was on a big stage once, but is he that good? Is he better than Berzins? Why do we think he is going to be so good?
Josh - A lot to say. I hope he's having a reality check summer and spending serious time w a sports psychologist, in the weight room, or whatever is he needed to have a total attitude/outlook/confidence shift, and take his career seriously. I get it. He was the older brother and the stud for 15+ yrs of hockey until under three yrs ago. His younger brother got bigger, silkier, luckier. That can be really tough to work through. A yr from now he could be heading into his senior yr as an anchor, w a serious shot at a national championship, and the potential to go down as one of Maine's all time greats and the marquee player at the monumental time in a storied program's history. He is good enough to make it, and if he does everything necessary he might be good enough to be a star at the big show too. It all depends on what he started this summer. And I really hope there's someone who makes sure he knows and believes this. I want to see him with high skill linemates who he can throw no-look passes back and forth with
Poirier - Similar play to Josh, less skilled, more magic, more charisma - but that could be just high confidence. More dominating than Brad but less skill and poise. He is a complete force and a natural scorer. Great weight and grit. Idk if his game has faced adversity or confidence blows; Big q marks about his ability to dominate against NCAA sized opponent. I want to see him w high skill linemates who he can get the puck to when he gets stuck, or who can get him the puck in tight situations
Miguel - All around good player with silky hard shot. Great anticipation, passing, and touch. His snipes are beauties, but he waits for his moment - and that could be a tough adjustment to the pressure that comes w the college game. I think he would adjust by starting to pass more quickly vs. shoot more quickly. In any scenario, his hockey iq and instinct is still high, so I don't think the adjustment will be a liability. I want to see him with high skill players that draw attention from him and give him time and space to shoot his trademark shot
Will Gerrior - Pitbull, grinder, with good hands and puck protection. Makes the play happen for himself, but isn't a playmaker. Seems like holding onto the puck gives him the extra boost, but he can't deliver the magic when he hands it off. Harrison Scott type finisher. Moves like Joey Diamond but I think a better player. Looks physically strong against CHL opponents. Needs to learn how to pass. We will see how this plays out. I want to see him with high energy guys looking to charge the net, and that are skillful enough to bury rebounds
Sully - Needs to work on shot and finish; it was an unlucky year, and if it was a lucky one he would've had 3x as many goals. Works hard and is smooth and skillful. He NEEDS to pick a playing style and lean in and really find his identity. He already has grit, energy, and is a solid skater. His shot and hands are awesome. Screw being more well-rounded, I hope he spends an entire Summer just focusing on dangling and sniping and becoming one of the best and top three offensive difference makers. Has been my favorite player since he arrived. I want to see him with a net-front screener/disruptor and a top tier passer/playmaker.
Charlie Russell - He hustles; you don't really notice him until he darts across space and makes a big on something that seemed out of reach. I think he is a workhorse in all situation. Amazing amazing skater and changes direction on a dim. Has more established vision and hockey IQ than Sully and kind of a sixth sense, but I think he has a lower ceiling than Sully, and his stamina and energy pacing is an issue. I think he can fit in anywhere
Owen - Keep the attitude and energy high and keeps on trucking. Was featured a lot on the Blackbear Hockey IG this summer; hoping that means he is locked in and no surprises or development lags
Freel - can also fit in anywhere
Brock James - Nice to see a Maine kid and a big body
Jaden - Gritty-leaning big guy with a good touch. Good hockey sense and hands. Polished. I want to see him jamming in rebounds and clogging the middle while a top tier shooter snipes from the perimeter
Lukas Peterson - This dude is such a New Jersey kid I am so stoked. He seems like a monster. Great speed and tenacity. Undersized and young. Could've easily stayed in USHL another season. Will be extremely aggressive in the locker room, on the ice, and has something to prove.
Langlois - Great at finding space and getting the shot off. Will set up amazing rebounds for the gritty guys w good hands. Serious pucklugger and solid passer; another force against CHL opponents. Hope he is in it for the longhaul and not a quick stopover/recuperation
Benny Barr - The savior. Amazing community member, spokesmen, fundraiser, and team builder. Tough, fair, discipline-focused. 0-2 in getting the best out of his boys when it matters most. An adjustment is needed big time. This past team WAS good enough - and from early March on they looked wiped, scared, tense, UNCONFIDENT almost every time they walked from the bus into the arena. It was CLEAR based on that walk, how they would come out and play. There was waaaaayyyy too much pressure. They wanted it too badly. They choke. And it is not about lack of stamina, and it is not about lack of belief in themselves, and it is not about lack of discipline, and it is not about lack of work ethic and hustle, and it is not because they weren't good enough. Benny isn't Walsh, and when people defend him against the things others have said, and talk about his coaching style - he should not be compared to Walsh; it's a cheap answer and comparison. Walsh was a firecracker and a world class motivator. Barr is stoic and tough and an excellent coach, developer, and PR man. He NEEDS a motivator on his staff and in the locker room. Someone to make it fun, push the right buttons, and hype the boys up when it's hard and when they're tired and discouraged. This is yr 4, Ben is learning and we will see
Rick Bennett - Pedigree. Outside of that Idk what he brings to the table that Barr doesn't bring. Is he known for being particularly good at developing a certain player type? He doesn't solve any of the Barr issues above, and I think could only make it worse. I don't like it and think it's a missed opportunity. I hope I am wrong and absolutely 1000% could be
One more thing I want to note about Josh. He works very hard - sometimes. Barr is trying to keep him happy, praise him; tolerates stuff he wouldn't from a less star-caliber player. When he scored others didn't skate over and celebrate him as enthusiastically. When they won at big moments, or the HE Championship, he skates around by himself and isnt warmly invited in. Something was going on in the locker room and it was obvious
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What I want to see
Poirier - Komarov - Nadeau -OR- Miguel/Max/Jaden at center instead of Oskar - which depends on his faceoff development (the- playmaker line)
Sully - Jaden - Marques (the- screen and snipe line)
Fowler - Freel - Gerrior (the- crash the net, create havoc, never pass, take a million shots line)
Russell - Max Scott - Peluso/Pichette
*I think Max and Russell can play anywhere (except I don't want Charlie w Nadeau and Poirier)
Holt - Djur
Chabrier - Peterson
Langlois - Nobes
Usereau
Albin
Extras (in order of ability to crack lineup)
Peluso
Pichette
Rousseau
Coughlin
Cali
James
Arnott
Motew
Stewart
Poirier - Komarov - Nadeau -OR- Miguel/Max/Jaden at center instead of Oskar - which depends on his faceoff development (the- playmaker line)
Sully - Jaden - Marques (the- screen and snipe line)
Fowler - Freel - Gerrior (the- crash the net, create havoc, never pass, take a million shots line)
Russell - Max Scott - Peluso/Pichette
*I think Max and Russell can play anywhere (except I don't want Charlie w Nadeau and Poirier)
Holt - Djur
Chabrier - Peterson
Langlois - Nobes
Usereau
Albin
Extras (in order of ability to crack lineup)
Peluso
Pichette
Rousseau
Coughlin
Cali
James
Arnott
Motew
Stewart
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McGoverners
Active member
I expect the D core to rotate every game. There's too many dawgs back there to keep someone on the bench regularly during the regular season.
Holt, Frank, and Chabrier will play every game. The freshman (minus Motew probably) will rotate
Holt, Frank, and Chabrier will play every game. The freshman (minus Motew probably) will rotate
I agree with this. And in the event of an injury, I think Nobes would be the next man up. But I think the collection of seven of Holt, Djurasevic, Chabrier, Userau, Langlois, Coughlin, and Peterson will the the standard D lineup otherwise.
Sparkee
Blackbear
Coach Barr said most of the team has been in Orono for last few weeks. Says all players will be in Orono starting this weekend. https://goblackbears.com/podcasts/black-bear-insider-podcast-episode-13-2025-26-hockey-schedules/28
Sparkee
Blackbear
Heisenberg’s 2026 recruit list is out: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...aS4QMqcRCyJDIxqkaOOjk/htmlview#gid=1466169803
He has Marques on there, but Marques is already coming in now.
If we ignore that typo, Maine has 11 recruits playing major junior and 6 recruits playing in USHL. So this is a good sign that the recruits are playing at the highest league levels. I’m curious if Voronin will actually consider playing in Moncton(QMJHL)?
I think there are likely 5 recruits playing not in major junior or USHL that are in danger of being crossed off Maine’s list. These would be the ones in NAHL, CCHL, BCHL that are older and not younger.
He has Marques on there, but Marques is already coming in now.
If we ignore that typo, Maine has 11 recruits playing major junior and 6 recruits playing in USHL. So this is a good sign that the recruits are playing at the highest league levels. I’m curious if Voronin will actually consider playing in Moncton(QMJHL)?
I think there are likely 5 recruits playing not in major junior or USHL that are in danger of being crossed off Maine’s list. These would be the ones in NAHL, CCHL, BCHL that are older and not younger.
Woah, BU is bringing in some serious size
Not to mention some amazing talent as well.
McGoverners
Active member
BU may be the one school that could survive not opting in to the house settlement. It's a straight shot from there to the pros
ticapnews
Never graduate.
From an email to season ticket holders:
Season Ticket Holder Presale
Season ticket holders are eligible to pre-purchase up to eight additional tickets per account before they go on sale to the public. This presale runs from August 12-22, starting at 10am on the 12th. All games are available for purchase and tickets will be priced at face value. The presale is being offered only via phone during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please call (207) 581-BEAR to purchase!
Wednesday, December 10th vs. UMass Lowell
The game on Wednesday, December 10 will be played at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, ME. This game is not included in season ticket packages. Tickets will be available through the Cross Insurance Arena website here on Tuesday, August 26.
Season Ticket Holder Presale
Season ticket holders are eligible to pre-purchase up to eight additional tickets per account before they go on sale to the public. This presale runs from August 12-22, starting at 10am on the 12th. All games are available for purchase and tickets will be priced at face value. The presale is being offered only via phone during normal business hours, Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please call (207) 581-BEAR to purchase!
Wednesday, December 10th vs. UMass Lowell
The game on Wednesday, December 10 will be played at Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, ME. This game is not included in season ticket packages. Tickets will be available through the Cross Insurance Arena website here on Tuesday, August 26.
Sparkee
Blackbear
Very well.
It is good then that 6 of the first 8 games are at home. Hopefully that gives them more confidence to start off with.
I’m surprised they wouldn’t have an exhibition to help all the new guys get a taste before the real games start.
I see UNH doesn’t have one either. A few years back Maine played UNH in exhibition at Colby College to start the season. Too bad the two teams couldn’t try that again.
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NorthMike
Well-known member
Seeing how the team leadership shapes up will be interesting too and critical to this. Big roles to fill after Breen, Scott, Brezealle and Renwick, which was one of maines finest leadership group - imo.
that exhibition game was a lot of fun. If i remember correctly all three goals were a combination of Nadeau / Nadeau / Breen. Two of which were one timers from JN to BN... That was a sign of what was to come in a big way.Very well.
It is good then that 6 of the first 8 games are at home. Hopefully that gives them more confidence to start off with.
I’m surprised they wouldn’t have an exhibition to help all the new guys get a taste before the real games start.
I see UNH doesn’t have one either. A few years back Maine played UNH in exhibition at Colby College to start the season. Too bad the two teams couldn’t try that again.