Bears’ Loya provides reliable lift to defense> UMaine heads into series with freshman surprise

ORONO – During the third period of last Friday’s 2-2 overtime tie between Maine and Northeastern, a Husky forward had the puck and plenty of open ice with only Maine freshman defenseman Cliff Loya to beat.

He put a move on Loya but the youngest member of the Maine hockey team buried his head in the forward’s chest and stood him up as the puck rolled innocently into the corner.

“Cliff’s a big guy and he uses his size well,” said Maine senior center and co-captain Cory Larose. “He’s got a ton of potential. He’s a young kid who quietly plays his 10-12 minutes a game and doesn’t make mistakes.”

Loya, who turned 18 in May, said, “I’ve always been pretty good in one-on-one situations. I pride myself in it. I play defense first.”

The Pittsburgh native packs 190 pounds on his six-foot-two frame. He has earned the defense corps’ sixth spot and will continue on a tandem with sophomore Peter Metcalf when the Bears travel to face Merrimack College tonight and Boston College on Sunday afternoon.

“I’ve learned a lot so far. Peter has taught me things like when to step up,” said Loya.

Loya said the jump from prep school – he played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School (Minn.) the last two seasons – to Division I is a big one at first.

“But I feel I’m playing pretty well now,” said Loya.

Maine coach Shawn Walsh concurs.

“He has been a real pleasant surprise. I thought he’d be good, but he’s exceeded expectations,” said Walsh.

Loya has an assist in five games and his plus-three ties him for fourth on the team in plus-minus.

Metcalf said Loya is dependable and that frees him up.

“I feel safe if I decide to rush the puck,” said Metcalf. “Coach has been yapping at him to get more involved in the offense and I think he’ll step it up (offensively).”

Loya played for coach Andy Murray at Shattuck-St. Mary’s last year and Murray is now coaching the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.

“Both coaches believe in working hard on every shift, in practice as well as in games. Coach Walsh is more animated,” said Loya, who chose Maine in August over several other Division I schools because Maine offered him a partial scholarship for this season.