Men’s hockey

MAINE vs. VERMONT

Time, site: Sunday, 2 p.m.; Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland

Records: Maine 12-4-1; Vermont 2-11-3 entering Friday game at Dartmouth

Series, last meeting: tied 7-7; Maine 2-0 on 11/28/98

Key players: Maine – RW Colin Shields (8 goals, 8 assists), C Michel Leveille (0 & 14), LW Todd Jackson (9 & 4), C Derek Damon (5 & 7), D Prestin Ryan (3 & 7), D Troy Barnes (2 & 8), G Frank Doyle (7-3, 1.92 goals-against average, .921 save percentage); Vermont – LW Brady Leisenring (3 & 13), RW Jeff Miles (6 & 8), LW Tim Plant (3 & 8), C Scott Mifsud (4 & 4), D Jaime Sifers (1 & 5), D Oriel McHugh (3 & 0), G Travis Russell (2-8-3, 3.71, .885)

Outlook: The Bears look to jump-start their offense against a Vermont team that is better than its record indicates. Maine has scored only 12 goals in its last six games and has been held to three goals or less in nine of its last 11. UVM had lost seven games by two goals or less entering Friday’s game. The Catamounts were 2-0-1 in their previous three. They have played eight games against teams that have been nationally ranked this season. Miles, ECAC Co-Player of the Week, had 3 & 2 in his last three games. McHugh has scored a goal in three straight games, including two game-winners. Vermont had two power-play goals in four chances in a 5-5 tie against UMass, while Maine has allowed five power-play goals in its last 18 disadvantages.