UMaine unfazed by road prospects

The University of Maine hockey team concludes the first portion of its quirky schedule against upstart Boston College this weekend. The two-game set will represent Maine’s six and seventh consecutive Hockey East home games, meaning the Bears will play 12 of their last 17 league games on the road.

The Alfond Arena faithful won’t get another chance to see their Bears until a two-game series with the University of New Hampshire on Jan. 16-17.

Maine is only 3-2 in its five league home games to date.

Maine coach Shawn Walsh and his players don’t feel the impending road stretch creates added importance on this weekend’s series. However, they said the opponent does.

“The most important aspect of the series is we’re playing BC. They’re better than us according to the polls. They’re one of the teams we’re competing against to get into the [NCAA] Tournament,” said Maine senior right wing and tri-captain Shawn Wansborough. “It’s going to be a huge series for us in the ratings and as far as Hockey East is concerned.”

Hockey East has four teams in the top 10 in most polls with New Hampshire and Boston University joining Maine and BC in the top 10.

“We play every bit as well on the road as we do at home,” said Maine coach Shawn Walsh in downplaying the schedule. “We played our best game of the year at Minnesota.”

Maine was 8-3-1 in league play at home last year, 8-4 on the road. Two years ago, the Bears were 8-2-2, 6-4-2, respectively.

“You want to win most of your home games,” said junior defenseman David Cullen. “You want to take advantage of the home ice. But I don’t know if it puts any more pressure on us.”

The schedule, according to former Hockey East Commissioner Bob DeGregorio, was drawn up to appease Walsh.

“One of Shawn’s gripes was he wanted more early home games. Coaches like to have early home games so they can bring in their recruits and try to get some of them to sign during the early signing period,” said DeGregorio.