2nd strong line aids UM scoring

University of Maine senior Steve Kariya, like any Hobey Baker Award candidate, and his men’s hockey linemates often receive special attention from opposing teams.

Checking lines featuring three of the opposing team’s best defensive forwards are used to try to neutralize right winger Kariya and his linemates.

Fortunately for the Black Bears, another high-powered scoring line has emerged to help take some of the slack off Kariya’s line.

Since it was put together six games ago, the line of junior Ben Guite between sophomore left wing Dan Kerluke and freshman right wing Niko Dimitrakos has combined for 12 goals and 11 assists.

Kerluke has six goals and three assists, Dimitrakos has 3 & 5, and Guite has 3 & 3.

That line has helped the Bears extend their unbeaten streak to 12 games as they enter this weekend’s important Hockey East series at Boston College. Maine is ranked second in the country in the latest U.S. College Hockey Online poll and Boston College is sixth.

“That line has been fabulous. They’ve clicked from day one,” said Maine coach Shawn Walsh.

“Niko and Dan have speed and skill and they are scorers. Every line we’ve put Ben on this year has played better with him on it,” said Walsh. “He has picked out his role. He gives them a physical presence and a defensive presence.”

Kerluke said they are three different types of players and that plus their chemistry has made them successful.

“Ben is a hitter, a tough guy in the corners; Niko is a good playmaker, and I’m a good shooter,” said Kerluke. “That makes for a good line.”

He said they clicked from the first time they were put together, which was the second Northeastern game (a 7-7 tie).

Guite said he realizes his linemates have great offensive potential and doesn’t mind being the defensive-minded member of the line.

“I’m just lucky to play with them,” said Guite. “I give the line equilibrium. That’s the center’s job.”

He added that he has always been able to find them when he has the puck.

“I have a feel for where they are on the ice,” said Guite.

Kerluke said they have definitely benefited from the attention given to Kariya and defenseman David Cullen.

“It definitely takes a lot of pressure off us. It gives us a lot of room and makes it easier for us,” said Kerluke.

Kerluke and Guite said the BC series is extremely important in the national picture as well as the Hockey East standings.

“We’re going to have to stop their offense,” said Kerluke. “[Jeff] Farkas has 20 goals. We’re going to have to pin him and [Brian] Gionta.”