A new challenge for the Black Bears

ORONO — The Maine hockey team hits the road for the first time in three weeks when it travels to Northeastern for a pair of games this weekend, and the Black Bears face a new challenge - earning a victory away from Alfond Arena.

"We've been practicing and playing well for the past couple weeks," Maine Coach Tim Whitehead said. "We wanted a couple more games, especially after the Boston University game, but now, that's our next challenge, to prove we can win on the road."

After Sunday's 3-2 win over No. 17 Boston University, the Black Bears
are 3-1 at the Alfond, but 0-4 as a visiting team - a pair of losses at Union, a loss at Massachusetts and a loss at New Hampshire.

But since the start of the season, the Black Bears have  gotten a boost from the return of several players - goalie Scott Darling, defenseman Ryan Hegarty and forwards Tanner House and Kevin Swallow.

Darling pointed to another element that's helped the Black Bears - a better understanding defensively.

"Team defense has really improved," Darling said. "Earlier in the season it was kind of a free-for-all and people were trying to understand their roles. Now guys are more comfortable. The attitude has changed. We've been working hard in practice. Everyone's going out and executing. Everyone's contributing."

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When the Black Bears face the Huskies on Friday at Matthews Arena in Boston, they'll face a different team than the one that swept them last year (including two one-goal losses). Northeastern's major loss was goalie (and Hobey Baker finalist) Brad Thiessen, now in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.

"When you lose an MVP, things change," Whitehead said. "But that being said, they'll still be a heck of a team. They've got a core of upperclassmen, a good freshman goalie (Chris Rawlings) and they're always competitive."

And, sophomore forward Spencer Abbott added, "They're a very good team and beat BU before we did. I think we'll match up well with Northeastern."

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Maine will be without defenseman Mark Nemec (broken thumb) and forward David deKastrozza (head injury) this weekend. Nick Pryor, a freshman defenseman who has been out with the flu, returned to practice yesterday.