Morrison starts his climb back into goalie picture

ORONO -Junior goalie Mike Morrison was a forgotten man last year as he watched sophomore Matt Yeats start the final 18 games for the University of Maine men’s hockey team and put up some impressive numbers: a 20-6-4 record, 2.60 goals against average, and a .911 save percentage.

The inconsistent Morrison began his climb back into the goaltending picture Friday night by stopping all 19 shots he faced in 25 minutes of work to lead the Blue team to a 4-1 victory over the White team in Maine’s annual Blue-White game at Alfond Arena.

Newcomers Brendan Donovan and Prestin Ryan had goals for the Blue team along with junior Gray Shaneberger and sophomore Don Richardson, who will become eligible in December after transferring from the University of Vermont.

Richardson and defenseman Ryan also had an assist each.

Junior defenseman Peter Metcalf scored for the White team.

“Last year I came to training camp expecting to do what Alfie [Michaud] did the previous year,” said Morrison, referring to Michaud’s exceptional play which led Maine to the national championship. “But I’m a laid-back guy. That’s the way I have to play. I need to have fun out there.”

He said he was “very disappointed” with his 1999-2000 season, but was glad Yeats led the Bears to the NCAA Frozen Four.

Morrison was sharp Friday as he stayed on his feet, played his angles, and moved the puck well.

“I tried to come out of my net and challenge more. And I’ve worked a lot on playing the puck,” said the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Morrison. “My defense did a great job. I saw every shot. It wasn’t very hard for me.”

Maine coach Shawn Walsh said, “Mike played very well. He is capable of doing that. But he has to become more consistent.”

Yeats called Morrison’s performance “awesome” and said it bodes well for the team.

“Coach said there are no guaranteed jobs. We’re going to push each other and that’s good for everybody,” said Yeats, who stopped only eight of 11 shots.

“I was hesitant. I never felt comfortable out there,” said Yeats.

The game was played in front of an estimated 2,250 fans.

There wasn’t much hitting, but there was a swift pace throughout.

Donovan’s slapper from the top of the right circle and Shaneberger’s rebound of a Justin Barauskas point shot staked the Blue team to a 2-0 lead before Richardson slipped a breakaway snap shot through Yeats’ pads off a Cameron Lyall pass.

Metcalf scored past Rob McVicar with a 16-foot wrister off a Mike Mantenuto pass before Ryan swept a Lucas Lawson feed between Trapper Clark’s pads.

Ryan, who must sit out a year because he played Major Junior hockey, said, “This is the only game I’m going to play this year, so I figured I might as well have fun doing it.”

Meanwhile, former Stearns High School standout Doug Morrison of Millinocket played on a line with two other walk-ons and said, “I had a blast. I’ll never forget it. I could have done a lot better, but it was tough stepping in and playing at that fast a pace.”