Bears draw championship comparison Strong defense helps enable UMaine success

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ALBANY, N.Y. – The University of Maine men’s hockey team is drawing a favorable comparison to another championship team as it prepares for its national-title quest at the Frozen Four.

Maine head coach Tim Whitehead said he has heard several people compare his 32-7-3 squad to the New England Patriots team that just won the franchise’s second Super Bowl title in the last three years.

“I think the key for us is we don’t have a false impression of ourselves. We’re great defensively and do what it takes offensively, and we’re usually one better than the other team,” he said. “I think we’ve been so consistent because we understand our strengths and limitations.”

Maine plays Hockey East rival Boston College in a national semifinal Thursday, April 8, at 6 p.m. at the FleetCenter in Boston.

The Patriots and Black Bears share the pure team approach to winning and Whitehead said he thinks one of the positive traits of his team is that it doesn’t think it is better than it is.

“I think we understand the type of team we are and what it’s going to take to win,” he said. “We’re confident, but not overconfident. For us, so much of it is how hard we work.”

Another signature trait of this team is its understated approach, even after winning a conference title and a regional series. You wouldn’t know this team was championship caliber through the players’ attitudes and behavior.

“I can’t really explain it, but I know I don’t have the feeling right now we’re going to the Frozen Four,” said senior goalie Frank Doyle. “It seems like it’s just another game and no one’s getting too high on this team and we’re all on the same level.

“We’re just a close-knit group and all year long, we’ve just been focusing on making sure we’re the hardest-working team in the game. It all comes down to that.”

Whitehead stopped short of using the popular phrase “winning ugly” to describe his team’s style.

“I think that’s one of the keys to a successful team is recognizing what you are, being proud of it, and playing that way to a T,” he said. “These guys are composed and yet they’re fierce competitors. That’s a pretty dangerous combination. I’ve been very impressed with them and I’m really happy for these guys. I’ve really enjoyed working with this team and I know all of us as coaches really think this is a special group.”

That special group has become one that knows how to win hockey games although their plays won’t always make it on ESPN.

“We don’t fashion ourselves as a run-and-gun team that can get a goal on the power-play whenever we want or a beautiful, highlight-reel goal,” Whitehead said. “We have them occasionally, but I think it’s more typical of us to be in a close, one-goal game.”

Especially in the postseason. Maine has now played seven straight games decided by one goal, winning each of them. For the season, 18 of Maine’s 42 games have been decided by one goal and the Bears are 14-4 in those games.

“We’ve been really impressed with how these guys have played in those tight, one-goal games,” Whitehead said. “We just seem pretty comfortable in there. A lot of it comes from the goal out with Jimmy [Howard] and Frank [Doyle] and how they’re very composed.

“Most importantly, I think it’s our seniors. I mean, these guys have been through a lot of things, they’re comfortable in these situations, and they lead by example.”

Sominex anyone?

Maine sophomore goalie Howard, said he “slept like a baby” Friday night despite having undergone a disappointing two periods and the uncertainty of knowing who would get the start in net for Saturday’s NCAA East Regional final.

Well, he did until his slumber, along with that of his 26 teammates, was rudely interrupted early Saturday morning.

“I really got a good night’s rest until the fire alarm went off. It was about 4:30 in the morning and it wasn’t too convenient,” said Howard.

Things rarely are with these Bears.

“We had a couple of fire alarms last night … Wisconsin!,” said Whitehead, who jokingly coughed while mouthing the word Wisconsin.

Still, sleep deprivation and all, the Black Bears are the ones marching on to the Frozen Four while it’s off, not on, for Wisconsin.

Happy birthday to you

In the midst of all his other distractions and concerns last weekend, Howard also had a birthday to celebrate.

Howard, Maine’s sizzling sophomore goaltender, turned 20 Friday.

“It was no big deal,” the blas? Howard said matter-of-factly. “I got some presents and I just went on with my life.”

Howard said his gift highlight was a videogame system, but there was a catch.

“I got a PlayStation II, to be honest,” he said. “I didn’t get a hockey game to go with it, though, and I was totally bummed, but hopefully my girlfriend will come through on that.”