UM players enjoyed hockey tourney

There was a measure of disappointment, but the positives far outweighed the negatives for University of Maine freshman left winger Paul Kariya and junior goalie Mike Dunham, who recently returned from the World Hockey Championships in Germany.

Kariya was Canada’s fourth-leading scorer with two goals and seven assists in eight games. He was the right wing on a line with Philadelphia’s Eric Lindros, who centered the line, and Edmonton’s Shayne Corson. Lindros led the tourney in scoring with 11 goals and six assists.

Kariya tied for fifth in scoring in the tourney with Russia’s Valeri Karpov and the Czech Republic’s Petr Rosol.

Dunham played in one game and made 30 saves in a 1-1 tie with the Czech Republic, which took the bronze medal. New York Rangers goalie Mike Richter played four games and Tampa Bay netminder Pat Jablonski played in two.

Kariya and Dunham were two of the few college players in the tournament.

Former Maine All-American defensemen Bob Beers and Eric Weinrich played most of the tournament as a tandem for the U.S. team. Beers had a goal and two assists in six games and was minus-one while Weinrich had an assist in six games and was even in the plus-minus category. Beers played for Tampa Bay this season and Weinrich played for Hartford.

University of Maine fifth-year senior goalie Garth Snow spent a week with the U.S. Team prior to the World Championships, but was released when Richter and Jablonski joined the squad.

“I saw Eric and Bob play in the quarterfinals against Sweden (5-2 loss) and they played very, very well,” said U.S. assistant coach and Maine assistant Red Gendron, who scouted opposing teams and did player evaluations. “I heard Mike played very well in his game and in a pretournament exhibition game against Germany.”

“Paul was on a par with any player in that tournament or above,” added Gendron. “His vision, quickness, and ability to deliver the puck to people was outstanding. He made great players even greater. I think his stock (in the upcoming draft) was enhanced tremendously by the way he played and carried himself.”

“It was a great experience. It was the time of my life. It was neat to be among the superstars of the NHL,” said Kariya. “I thought I played pretty well. I was very happy with my game. I think I showed a lot of people I can play at that level.”

Kariya, who played on the power play and did a little penalty killing, also said, “In a lot of ways, it’s a lot easier than college or the World Juniors. The players are that much better and can do a lot more themselves. So you have to do less and less. On the other hand, the players are a lot stronger, so the one-on-one battles are a lot more difficult to win.”

Kariya’s playing time was reduced in the medal round games “because it’s hard to justify playing an 18-year-old over NHL players and I had some defensive lapses.”

Kariya was disappointed that Canada finished fourth and didn’t win a medal, but that was the only negative aspect of the trip.

“After winning a gold medal in the World Junior Championships and winning the NCAA championship, this was the first time I was on a team that lost. It was a different feeling.

“But you can learn a lot from losing as well. It was a great tournament. We just lost the wrong games.”

Dunham thought he played well in the tie with the Czech Republic, but admitted that he was “very disappointed” that he didn’t play more.

“My intention was to play a few games. It wasn’t a vacation for me. I wanted to play some games and improve,” said Dunham. “I did get some practice time, but it wasn’t the same as in game situations. It didn’t go the way I Dunham also said, “Once the NHL guys came over, it was tough to sit one of those guys (and play me). Coach (Tim) Taylor said he was sorry about the situation, but that he couldn’t do much about it. I think because NHL management sent players over there, he was forced to play them.”

However, he said he had a good time. “I learned a lot from Richter and Jablonski.”

“In some ways, it may be a blessing in disguise,” said Dunham. “I realized how much work I have to do and how good these players really are. I’m only 20 years old. I’m learning and growing. I’ve become very patient the last few years and, hopefully, everything will pay off.”

He said he still wants to play for the U.S. Olympic Team, which will be coached by Taylor, but he intends to take a long hard look at beginning his pro career in the New Jersey Devils organization, also.

“I just want to do what’s best for me and for my improvement,” said Dunham.

Snow took his situation in stride.

“I knew I wouldn’t be staying because guys were guaranteed spots and the NHLers were coming,” said Snow. “But it was a good experience. I got to play with a lot of great players. I played in an exhibition game and we beat Germany 5-4. I thought I played well. I was happy with the way I played.”