Players’ song taste is upbeat Few superstitions or rituals for Bears

Game time is rapidly approaching.

Players are making last-minute adjustments to their hockey sticks, skates, or other equipment.

They can hear the din of the crowd.

As the University of Maine men’s hockey team treks down the tunnel leading to the Alfond Arena ice surface, the school’s pep band begins playing “The Stein Song” and the crowd welcomes the team onto the ice.

Several Maine players were asked to choose their own motivational song if they had to replace “The Stein Song.” They were also asked if they had any pregame rituals designed to give them luck.

The answers varied.

Based on his responses, Bear sophomore center Tommy Reimann probably should have gone to the University of New Hampshire. He likes their inspirational songs: “Life is Life” by Opus and “Black Betty” by Ram Jam.

“I like the beat, and the place [New Hampshire’s Whittemore Center] goes crazy. They throw stuff at you,” said Reimann.

Sophomore center Chris Heisten likes dance music and the song that motivates him is Zombie Nation’s “Kernkraft 400.”

Heisten’s pregame ritual includes a Snickers bar.

“It gives me some energy,” he said.

Junior left wing Niko Dimitrakos prefers techno music.

“It’s upbeat and it brings back memories. It reminds me of being home hanging out with my friends,” said Dimitrakos.

Later, with help from junior goalie and teammate Mike Morrision, Dimitrakos identified a song called “Sandstorm” by Darude as being a favorite.

Junior defenseman Peter Metcalf leans toward either Godsmack or AC-DC.

“They wake you up,” said Metcalf, who particularly enjoys a tune called “Bad Religion” by God-smack.

Sophomore right wing Lucas Lawson said he likes “old stuff” and chose George Thoroughgood and the Delaware Destroyers’ “Who Do You Love.”

“I like the beat,” said Lawson.

Sophomore defenseman Cliff Loya singled out a Guns n’ Roses hit “Welcome to the Jungle” as being a motivator for him.

Senior defenseman and co-captain A.J. Begg didn’t have a motivational song.

“I’m not a music guy. I just like hearing the crowd [when we step onto the ice],” said Begg.

The players didn’t mention any specific superstitious rituals they did before a game.

Some mentioned that they got dressed the same way for every game.

“I usually have a cup of coffee. I go in and see [trainer] Paul Culina and have one,” said sophomore center Robert Liscak.