Win can aid Bears twice> Playoff position, hopes of players may both benefit

Since University of Maine senior Shawn Wansborough was 5, he has pursued one unwavering goal.

When the UMaine men’s hockey team plays its last regular-season game Saturday at the University of Massachusetts, Wansborough will be in a position to increase his chances of attaining that goal. And he won’t be alone.

Wansborough and Black Bear senior teammates Scott Parmentier and Brian White all have played college hockey with the hope of someday playing professionally.

“We all dream to play pro hockey. Obviously, we all want to move on in the Hockey East Tournament. The better we play, the better for the team and us,” Wansborough said. “It’s a good situation to be in. It’s not sacrificing one for the other. By helping the team win, we’re increasing our value as players.”

A win Saturday could give the Bears the No. 5 playoff spot in the Hockey East Tournament, which could increase their chances of advancing past the first round. That would mean getting a better look from pro scouts.

Getting Maine to the Hockey East Final Four at the FleetCenter is foremost in the seniors’ minds, but getting viewed by scouts in a big game is also driving them.

“We’ve shown inconsistency, but we’ve shown we can play well against the best teams. If we can do that, it will benefit the seniors to play in the FleetCenter,” White said. “I think a lot of scouts will be at the FleetCenter. It’s the four best teams, it’s a great hockey atmosphere. Scouts have seen us grow and that’s important. But the big game is important, too.”

White, an 11th-round draft choice of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1994, relishes the opportunities ahead. White said the fact four of last year’s seniors are playing on minor league teams is encouraging, especially considering Maine was not allowed postseason play last year due to NCAA violations.

Still, White said, nothing helps showcase a player like a pressurized tournament situation. Wansborough agreed.

“The reason I stayed [during the NCAA sanctions] was to make the NCAA tournament,” Wansborough said. “If we do well in Hockey East, maybe we don’t have to win the tournament, but we need to win more games to bring up our RPI to get back to the tournament. Even though other guys left, I knew we’d have a chance to play for the championship again. I’ve been working for that since I came here.”

Parmentier prefers to focus only on the team. He said just the achievement of finishing fifth would be something to feel good about.

“[A pro contract] is in the back of your head. We’ll deal with that when the season’s over,” Parmentier said. “I think a win Saturday will put us in the top half of the league. That’s pretty important when you look back years from now. You want to see that you finished in the top half of the league.”