Black Bears to visit Merrimack Defense, discipline pivotal to Maine’s effort against Warriors

The University of Maine hockey team didn’t have much time to enjoy Sunday afternoon’s impressive 6-1 win over Vermont at Portland’s Cumberland County Civic Center.

They will return to the ice Tuesday night for a Hockey East makeup game against Merrimack College at Lawler Arena.

The game originally was scheduled on Dec. 6 but a snowstorm forced the closing of the school and postponement of the game.

Maine scored three goals or less in its six games before Sunday’s win and the Bears said they will need a similar effort to beat resurgent Merrimack.

“It’ll be a challenge,” said junior right wing John Ronan. “They’re always tough to play against, especially in their own rink. We’ll have to bring our ‘A’ game. They’re definitely riding high right now so we’re preparing for a good game.

“We have to commit to team defense. We have to get five guys back in the picture all the time. And we have to be disciplined, especially against them.”

Maine coach Tim Whitehead said the Bears have to exhibit the same discipline they had Sunday when they were assessed just three minor penalties, and they have to wrist the puck to the net to avoid getting shots blocked.

“All of our goals against Vermont came on wrist shots, snap shots or redirections,” said Whitehead. “We had a no-slap shot week in practice last week. We shot the puck better than we have all year against Vermont. I was really pleased.”

Whitehead said the Bears had several shots blocked in their losses to Ohio State (4-2) and Notre Dame (1-0) in the Florida Everblades Classic.

Maine will be without sophomore right wing Greg Moore (returning from the World Junior Championships) and Ben Murphy (shoulder) and Jon Jankus (ankle) is questionable so the Bears will again have to rely on their depth.

Maine will have at least five freshmen among its 12 forwards. The Bears played six freshmen forwards against Vermont.

Junior Matt Greyeyes and freshman Josh Soares scored their first career goals against Vermont and defenseman Jeff Mushaluk notched his first goal in a Maine uniform after transferring from Lake Superior State.

“Matt is so good in practice. He scores two or three goals in every game we play,” said senior defenseman Prestin Ryan. “Hopefully, this will give him a huge boost of confidence and he can help us a lot more.”

Senior left wing and captain Todd Jackson said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Mushaluk start putting the puck in the net with more frequency.

“He’s had a lot of chances. That goal could start him rolling now,” said Jackson.