University of Maine Off-season 2024: Insert Pun Here

[NorthMike]

I think we could all agree that Maine could use a little more size, especially up front. Since I was curious, I did some research on our incoming freshmen and their height and weight, since it wasn't on my chart. Most of them are, as you imagine, on the smaller side, with Coccomiglio being the smallest at just 5'8", 168 lbs. Notables include Kuzma 6'0 194, Cisar 6'0 183, James 6'0 170, and Pichette 5'11 181. But the one that really stands out, as the biggest recruit by far, is James Taylor at 6'6, 225 lbs. I had previously listed him as one of the recruits likely to fall thru, but after seeing that, maybe he sticks around to bring some muscle to the lineup.

A bit more size sure, thankfully things arent going back to Red size teams with little skill, but they have to be faster skaters good hands snipers, yes.

One thing that strikes me every year during playoffs more than size is quickness, stick puck skills, and good player decisions. We need a few more of this type player, draft picks. Combine this with the heart and grit that the team had this year would bring them to the next level wouldnt it.

50 draft picks in the final 4. That puts things in perspective.

Be interesting to see what coach can do with the roster.

 

[Sparkee]

Connor Androlewicz has entered the portal. Not a shocker there since he wasn’t getting to play as the third goalie(and won’t next year as the third goalie). Well, thanks for being a Blackbear, Connor.

 

[Sparkee]

Jackson and Joshua Niedermayer entered the portal after playing at ASU. Joshua played in Pentincton with the Nadeaus and Hopkins. They are the son of legendary NHL Scott Niedermayer.

 

[9twenty]

Carter Wilkie would be a nice pickup...but figure he will draw alot of interest from other College teams along with the possibility of him hooking onto a NHL team...as far as the Niedermayers...most likely would be a package deal to whomever is interested bringing them aboard...with this just starting up ..look for many other options to join the list...really puts the Coaching staffs on there toes to decide if any would be a fit into there programs...interesting off season to say the least Maine and around the College Hockey world.

 

[tylerzx2002]

A bit more size sure, thankfully things arent going back to Red size teams with little skill, but they have to be faster skaters good hands snipers, yes.

One thing that strikes me every year during playoffs more than size is quickness, stick puck skills, and good player decisions. We need a few more of this type player, draft picks. Combine this with the heart and grit that the team had this year would bring them to the next level wouldnt it.

50 draft picks in the final 4. That puts things in perspective.

Be interesting to see what coach can do with the roster.

For what it's worth, I believe Maine and Michigan Tech had the fewest draft picks (just 1) among any of the teams in the NCAA tournament.

Some good talent on the horizon and I'm sure Barr has his eyes on a couple portal guys. Hopefully he's able to pluck another unheralded gem like Scott.

 

[acs64]

Yes, one Matt Wood please. Size, only a soph and high draft pick.

 

[amkirby10]

As thrilled as I would be with Wood coming here, all sources indicate he is destined for the B1G, most likely a future Gopher.

 

[StillKIA2]

Tough loss for Michigan State. *** was their coach thinking not challenging that possible major then the game turned.

Certainly made head contact first

 

[Sparkee]

As thrilled as I would be with Wood coming here, all sources indicate he is destined for the B1G, most likely a future Gopher.

In addition to Wood, UConn has two more defections to the portal, forward Samu Salminen(0.5 ppg) with two years eligibility left and #2 goalie Arsenii Sergeev(.913 sv %) with 2 years eligibility left. He shut out Maine once this season, I believe.

Also a forward Michael Emerson(0.8 ppg) from North Dakota just enter the transfer portal. He has only played one season at 0.8 ppg and has 3 years of eligibility left. He likely will be battled over.

 

[walrus]

I wonder if we will see Neimo on the portal? I would guess end of season interviews with the coach before players start jumping ship

 

[UnMcGovernable]

If we are throwing names out there John Driscoll from Army. 6'4" D with 21 points and blocks a ton of shots.

 

[Sparkee]

I wonder if we will see Neimo on the portal? I would guess end of season interviews with the coach before players start jumping ship

If he did, he would have to sit a year with no practice even because it would be his second transfer. I doubt he would do this.

See section “How many times can you transfer?”

https://www.ncsasports.org/recruiting/ncaa-transfer-rules

 

[tylerzx2002]

Looks like Houle has signed an amateur tryout agreement with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL affiliate of the Sharks). Good luck to him in his professional career!

 

[StillKIA2]

Looks like Houle has signed an amateur tryout agreement with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL affiliate of the Sharks). Good luck to him in his professional career!

Ditto! Here’s hoping his speed serves him well!

 

[amkirby10]

Looks like Houle has signed an amateur tryout agreement with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL affiliate of the Sharks). Good luck to him in his professional career!

Yup, just saw that and was coming here to report. I didn't really expect that honestly, but I'm happy for him. With how bad the Sharks roster is I'll never rule anything out regarding getting to the big leagues. Congrats Donny!

 

[tylerzx2002]

Yup, just saw that and was coming here to report. I didn't really expect that honestly, but I'm happy for him. With how bad the Sharks roster is I'll never rule anything out regarding getting to the big leagues. Congrats Donny!

That was my thinking as well. The Sharks have a middle of the pack prospect pool and a very bad NHL roster. A good season next year could see him get a call up.

 

[OronoKO]

If he did, he would have to sit a year with no practice even because it would be his second transfer. I doubt he would do this.

See section “How many times can you transfer?”

https://www.ncsasports.org/recruiting/ncaa-transfer-rules

Because this is being contested through the courts, players can transfer a second time without sitting. The same as last year.

https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/39727086/multiple-transfer-athletes-play-amid-lawsuit-ncaa-says

 

[Sparkee]

Yup, just saw that and was coming here to report. I didn't really expect that honestly, but I'm happy for him. With how bad the Sharks roster is I'll never rule anything out regarding getting to the big leagues. Congrats Donny!

Yes, congratulations Donny. A fun player to watch. Will miss the big hits. My favorite was after taking down Mitton, who got back up collected the puck and was about to skate over the red line for a dump in, and Donny circled around and absolutely ran him open ice and poor Mitton had to take his time getting off to the bench. Guy at times was like a heat seeking missile locked on and delivered wreckage.

 

[Sparkee]

Because this is being contested through the courts, players can transfer a second time without sitting. The same as last year.

https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/39727086/multiple-transfer-athletes-play-amid-lawsuit-ncaa-says

Thanks, I was unaware of this loophole. I guess Niemo can transfer without penalty.

 

[OronoKO]

Yes, congratulations Donny. A fun player to watch. Will miss the big hits. My favorite was after taking down Mitton, who got back up collected the puck and was about to skate over the red line for a dump in, and Donny circled around and absolutely ran him open ice and poor Mitton had to take his time getting off to the bench. Guy at times was like a heat seeking missile locked on and delivered wreckage.

Mitton would be a nice pickup for Maine.