Tourney excites UMaine goalies

University of Maine goalies Garth Snow and Mike Dunham left for the World Championships in Germany on Sunday and the two men who led the Black Bears to an NCAA championship are looking forward to a new challenge.

They will play for the United States team and Bear freshman left winger and Hobey Baker Award candidate Paul Kariya will join the Canadian team shortly. Former Bear All-American defensemen Eric Weinrich and Bob Beers, currently playing for the Hartford Whalers and Tampa Bay Lightning, are also reportedly going to join the U.S. team since their NHL teams have failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Dunham was the backup goalie to Ray LeBlanc in the 1992 Olympics and the World Championships.

“It’s nice that both of us are going over,” said Dunham. “Garth and I know each other so well. It’ll be fun. Having each other there will make us more comfortable.”

“It’s a big thrill for me,” said Snow. “Mike’s one of my best friends and I’m sure he’ll help show me the ropes.”

“It’s definitely going to be a different level of play,” said Dunham. “Things happen a little more quickly. A lot of European teams don’t forecheck. They wait for you to turn the puck over and once you do, they’re so quick on transition. They have great skill and they can put the puck away when they get the chance.”

Snow said playing on such a talented college team like Maine’s should help him.

“When you face some of the best shooters around in practice every day, it’s bound to help your transition,” said Snow.

Kariya said he is anxious to join the Canadian team.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Kariya. “I’m going for the hat trick.”

Kariya was referring to the fact his Canadian team won the gold medal at the World Junior Championships and Maine won the NCAA crown. So he would love to add another title to his resume at the World Championships.

Snow and Montgomery both turned in impressive performances in their final Alfond Arena appearances during the East-West Shrine College Hockey Classic on Saturday night.

Snow made 16 third-period saves, including five Grade-As; had an assist and picked up the win in the East’s 6-5 triumph. Montgomery had a goal and two assists including an assist on linemate Mark Kaufmann’s game-winner.

They received standing ovations during pre-game introductions at the Alfond Arena.

“There couldn’t have been a better way to go out,” said Montgomery. “It was fantastic. It sent chills up my spine.”

“It felt good,” said Snow.

Snow admitted that he thought he was a little out of shape “but I can’t complain. We got the win and that’s all that matters. I felt good out there.”

Montgomery enjoyed playing on a line with fellow Hobey Baker Award finalists Dave Sacco (Boston University) and Kaufmann (Yale). The line combined for three goals and five assists.

“It’s fun to play with such smart players who can move the puck so well,” said Montgomery. “You just move your feet and the puck is right on your stick.”

Kaufmann and Sacco echoed Montgomery’s sentiments.

“It’s always fun to play on a line with great hockey players,” said Kaufmann.

“We let up a couple of goals but I thought we played really well together, especially when you consider that we’re all centers,” said Sacco, who wound up on the right wing with Kaufmann on the left side. “We aren’t used to playing the puck off the boards.”