UMaine’s checking line reunited Liscak, Jackson, Shaneberger helping Black Bears on offense, too

One of the important components in the University of Maine’s march to the NCAA men’s hockey championship game last year was the play of its formidable checking line comprised of center Robert Liscak between left wing Todd Jackson and right wing Gray Shaneberger.

They actually turned out to be much more than a checking line. Liscak shared the team lead in postseason scoring with nine points on four goals and five assists, Jackson collected five assists, and Shaneberger had a pair of goals and an assist in the eight playoff games (Hockey East and NCAA Tournament).

Maine coach Tim Whitehead separated them at the outset of this season but reunited them against Alaska-Anchorage last Saturday and they picked up where they left off. Not only did they turn in a solid two-way game, Liscak scored what proved to be the game-winner in the Bears’ 4-2 triumph.

They will remain together this weekend when the 2-1 Black Bears entertain 2-2 Western Michigan on Homecoming Weekend. They will play tonight at 7 and Sunday at 5 p.m.

“I’m glad we’re back together,” said Liscak. “You get used to players. You know where they’re probably going to be in certain situations. Sometimes you’ll make a pass even though you don’t see them over there. That’s the area where they should be, you expect them to be there, and they expect you to throw the puck there.”

“Todd can fly so if I dish a puck into space for him, he’ll skate right onto it and keep going,” added Liscak. “If a defenseman gets caught flat-footed, Todd will blow right by him.”

Jackson said, “We obviously have some chemistry. When you’re on the same line for a while, you get a feel for your linemates’ tendencies.”

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Shaneberger is the grinder who throws his body around and digs the puck out of the corners.

Shaneberger said they are a diverse line.

“Some nights, our scoring chances may be limited, but we’ll play a great defensive game. In a couple of games last year, we connected and put points on the board. We can go either way,” said Shaneberger.

“You can’t really say we’re just a checking line. Todd and I are on the power play and we had quite a few points last year. So did Gray,” said Liscak referring to his 37 points, Jackson’s 28, and Shaneberger’s 17.

Jackson said the line should also benefit from the fact they are all a year older.

“Hopefully, we’re all better and stronger. And we’ve got more experience,” said Jackson.