Maine vs. Western Michigan

Time, site: Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday 5 p.m.; Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 2-1, Western Michigan 2-2

Series, last meeting: tied 1-1-1, 2-2 on Oct. 27, 2001

Key players: Maine – RW Colin Shields (4 goals, 0 assists), D Troy Barnes (2 & 2), C Tom Reimann (1 & 3), C Robert Liscak (1 & 2), C Martin Kariya (1 & 0), G Frank Doyle (1-0, 2.00 goals-against average, .917 save percentage), G Jim Howard (1-1, 2.19, .911); Western Michigan – RW Dana Lattery (2 & 4), C Vince Bellissimo (4 & 1), D Dave Cousineau (2 & 2), LW Pat Dwyer (1 & 2), C Jeff Campbell (1 & 2), G Mike Mantua (0-1, 4.04, .854), G Scott Foster (2-1, 4.78, .810)

Outlook: Maine will look to avenge last season’s 4-3 loss and 2-2 tie at Kalamazoo. The Broncos returned five of their top six scorers off last year’s 19-15-4 team that came close to making the NCAA Tournament. The Broncos gave up 12 goals while being swept by Notre Dame last weekend and the team must improve its work ethic and team defense if it is going to upset the Bears. Maine will try to create a fast tempo and generate odd-man rushes off transition. Dwyer was the CCHA’s Rookie of the Year last season and had a game-winner and two assists against Maine. Lynne Walsh, wife of the late Maine coach Shawn Walsh, will drop the ceremonial first puck Saturday night.