UM’s Imes realizes childhood dream > Defenseman gains Olympic spot

College scouts didn’t exactly knock down Chris Imes’ door. In fact, the University of Maine was one of the few schools who sought his services.

So Imes came to Maine, developed into an All-American defenseman and has joined five other Black Bear teammates on the roster for the United States Olympic team that was announced Wednesday.

Imes, fellow defenseman Matt Martin, goalies Mike Dunham and Garth Snow and forwards Peter and Chris Ferraro were among the 25 players selected to represent the U.S. during an upcoming tour of Europe. The players will leave Monday.

The six players led Maine to a 42-1-2 season and its first national championship this past winter.

Imes, who was born in Norway, Maine, was cautiously excited after learning he had made the team.

“This is a thrill. Playing for the Olympic team has been a childhood dream,” said Imes. “But it is subject to change.”

The Olympic team will be able to attain the services of some pro players as it approaches the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, in February. The number of professional players will vary on their availability and the Olympic coaching staff’s assessment of its needs.

Imes, who grew up in Birchdale, Minn., has played in two World Junior Championships and knows that a lot of work lies ahead.

“I’m confident that I can play at this level. But I’m going to have to play my best,” said Imes.

Imes had some anxious moments three weeks ago when he fell off a horse and badly bruised muscles in both legs.

“I had been in great shape prior to the accident, but then I wasn’t able to skate full speed. I didn’t have any speed or power. It took a long time for the nerves to heal,” explained Imes.

Imes skated in intrasquad games on Monday and Tuesday, netting an assist in Monday’s game and a goal on Tuesday.

“I played well on Monday, but I played poorly on Tuesday,” Imes said.

U.S. Hockey Team

U.S. Hockey Team, List

The list of players named Wednesday to the U.S. hockey squad that will compete in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway: Goaltenders

Name 1992-93 team Hometown Mike Dunham Maine Endwell, N.Y. Garth Snow Maine Wrentham, Mass.

Defensemen

Name 1992-93 team Hometown Ted Crowley St. John’s Concord, Mass. Brett Hauer Minn.-Duluth Richfield, Minn. Chris Imes Maine Birchdale, Minn. Peter Laviolette Binghamton Norwood, Mass. Matt Martin Maine Hamden, Conn. Ian Moran Boston College Acton, Mass. Travis Richards Minnesota Crystal, Minn. Barry Richter Wisconsin Madison, Wis.

Forwards

Name 1992-93 team Hometown Mark Beaufait Kansas City Livonia, Mich. Jim Campbell Hull Westboro, Mass. Peter Ciavaglia Rochester Snyder, N.Y. Ted Drury Harvard Trumbull, Conn. Chris Ferraro Maine Sound Beach, N.Y. Peter Ferraro Maine Sound Beach, N.Y. Darby Hendrickson Minnesota Richfield, Minn. Craig Johnson Minnesota St. Paul, Minn. John Lilley Seattle Wakefield, Mass. Todd Marchant Clarkson Williamsville, N.Y. Derek Plante Minn.-Duluth Cloquet, Minn. David Roberts Michigan Old Lyme, Conn. Brian Rolston Lake Superior Ann Arbor, Mich. David Sacco Boston U. Medford, Mass. Jim Storm Michigan Tech Milford, Mich.