The University of Maine’s future goaltending picture has gotten a little clearer.

And much taller.

Six-foot-six, 205-pound Ben Bishop, who plays for the South Division-leading Texas Tornado in the North American Hockey League, has verbally committed to attend Maine on a scholarship in the fall.

Bishop, a native of St. Louis, is currently 18-4 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

He leads the league in wins, is second in goals-against average, and is third in save percentage.

Junior Jimmy Howard, a second team All-American a year ago, is a second round draft choice of Detroit (2003) and may opt to sign with the Red Wings after this season. If Howard returns to Maine, Bishop could return to juniors.

Freshman Matt Lundin backs him up and Gray’s Ryan Shelley, also a freshman, is the No. 3 goalie.

Bishop said he is “very excited” about coming to Maine and credited the “hockey atmosphere and the coaches” with playing pivotal roles in his decision.

He visited the school Saturday.

“I liked the whole thing,” said Bishop. “I liked how the community supports the team and Grant [Maine assistant Grant Standbrook] is one of the best coaches there is.”

Standbrook, who is in his 17th season at Maine, is the recruiting coordinator and also works with the goalies.

Bishop said he “got along well” with the players and that Maine’s impressive track record with goalies also played a big part in his decision.

Five former Black Bear goalies have played in the NHL, including current NHLers Mike Dunham and Garth Snow.

He said he talked to a few other schools, “but Maine was my number one choice.”

He intends to work on his strength and flexibility in preparation for next season.

“I want to improve my balance in the net. I want to make sure when I go down, I keep my glove up,” said Bishop.

Sid Watson to be honored

Former Bowdoin College hockey coach and athletic director Sid Watson, who died of a heart attack on April 25, will have his named attached to the award given to the Division III Hockey Player of the Year.

It will be formally announced before Friday night’s Bowdoin-Colby game at Dayton Arena in Brunswick.

Watson, a Northeastern University graduate who played in the NFL for Pittsburgh and Washington, compiled a 326-210-11 record in 24 years at Bowdoin before stepping down in 1983. A year later, he became the school’s athletic director and he held that position until 1998.

Colby coach Jim Tortorella said it is appropriate to honor Watson’s memory before the 181st meeting between Bowdoin and Colby.

“The Colby-Bowdoin rivalry has been something special over the years and Sid helped generate that,” said Tortorella.