Jon Meczywor, the backup quarterback for the University of Maine during most of the last three seasons, has left the Black Bears program.

Meczywor, a 6-foot-5, 227-pound junior from Lanesboro, Mass., apparently has hopes of transferring and finishing out his career elsewhere next fall.

UMaine coach Jack Cosgrove confirmed Wednesday that Meczywor is no longer with the team but did not know his plans.

In 2002, Meczywor directed UMaine to regular-season wins over Richmond and New Hampshire, then became only the second quarterback in UMaine history to win a postseason game when he helped the Bears earn a 14-13 NCAA first-round victory at Appalachian State.

Last season, Meczywor appeared in only five games at quarterback, completing two of four passes for 16 yards. He again served as the backup, this time to outstanding freshman Ron Whitcomb, who earned the starting job during preseason camp and held onto it.

Whitcomb claimed Atlantic 10 and ECAC Rookie of the Year honors while setting an A-10 rookie mark with 221 passing yards per game and a 432-yard performance at New Hampshire. He passed for 2,428 yards and 21 TDs, both of which rank in the top five single-season efforts in UMaine history.

Meczywor apparently realized his role as a senior would be limited. He wound up his UMaine career completing 27 of 64 throws (.422) for 307 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions.

Meczywor’s most important contribution to the team may have been in his role as the holder for PAT kicks and field goals. He performed that duty each of the last two seasons.

With Meczywor’s departure, sophomore Chris Legree will enter spring ball as the Bears’ backup quarterback. Freshman Anthony Cotrone is the only other QB on the roster.

UM men enjoy ice at cold Sawyer

The Maine men’s hockey team occasionally finds itself practicing at Bangor’s Sawyer Arena.

That was the case Wednesday afternoon.

With the Maine women’s basketball team hosting Boston University at the Alfond Arena Wednesday night, the Black Bear skaters headed to Bangor so the workers had a little more time to put the basketball floor on top of the Alfond ice.

“We have always had great practices here,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead after Wednesday’s workout. “I love this rink. The ice is really good. It’s a little bit of a smaller rink, at least it appears that way to me. The neutral zone certainly is. As a result, you’re on the net really quickly. We always seem to practice exceptionally well here.”

Sophomore center Derek Damon of Bangor grew up playing hockey at Sawyer Arena, including two years at Bangor’s John Bapst High School.

His Maine teammates have tabbed one of the corners “Damon’s Den.”

“It’s the fastest ice in the state of Maine,” said Damon.

However, several of his teammates complained about how cold it was inside the arena.

“It’s warmer outside than it is inside,” said sophomore goalie Jimmy Howard.

Damon good-naturedly said some of his teammates were “soft.”

“They grew up playing in heated rinks like the Alfond. I remember playing here when there was no roof. Some of the guys had it easy,” grinned Damon.

“The ice is hard and fast like it is back home,” said sophomore center Michel Leveille of Levis, Quebec. “You breathe better because it’s cold.”