ORONO – University of Maine sophomore defenseman Francis Nault has fond memories of Northeastern University’s Matthews Arena.

It was Nov. 4, 2000 and the game ended in a 1-1 overtime tie.

“It was my first game. It was really exciting,” said Nault, a recruited walk-on defenseman who had been a healthy scratch for the first six games of the season. “Everything clicked. The guys really backed me up and gave me confidence. That made it easier for me.”

Nault is no longer a wide-eyed rookie. He is one of just three experienced Bear defensemen along with senior captain Peter Metcalf and junior Cliff Loya.

Nault, who finished with two goals and 11 assists in 31 games last season, is already just one point behind last year’s total through 16 games.

He has three goals and eight assists. He missed four games with a knee injury suffered in the 5-1 win over North Dakota on Oct. 20.

He is looking forward to this weekend’s series at Matthews.

“It’s a big rink, they’ll have a good crowd. It’s kind of fun to play there. It’s a lot like Orono. People are into it. It’s really fun,” said Nault, who added that his knee is finally rounding into shape.

“It still hurts a little but I began feeling comfortable again on the ice last weekend [against Providence and Dartmouth],” said Nault. “For the first time since the injury, I felt confident having the puck on my stick and making a play.”

He said being one of just three veteran defenseman has put additional pressure on him.

“I went from being the number six defenseman last year to one of just three with experience this year,” said Nault. “It’s kind of awkward. There’s a lot of pressure. People expect a lot.”

In addition to skating a regular shift, Nault is one of the point men on a power play unit.

“He brings good offensive skills to the defense corps. He helps move the puck out of the [defensive] zone, he’s a good skater and he has good mobility,” said senior right wing Niko Dimitrakos.

Junior center and assistant captain Chris Heisten said Nault has taken more of a leadership role this season.

“He has definitely matured a lot. He helps show the young defensemen how to play in this league,” said Heisten. “He proves every day that he can not only play in this league, he can be a top defenseman in this league.”

The defensive aspect of Nault’s game is his primary emphasis.

“I’ve always been offensive-minded,” said Nault. “I have to keep working on the defensive part. Sometimes I let guys go when I shouldn’t.”

And the sophomore from Tracy, Quebec spent a lot of the off-season in the weight room.

“Strength is what’s missing in my game. That’s what I need to work on,” said Nault.