Deschamps regains slot on UMaine blue line Senior features physical play, positive attitude

When a player isn’t in the lineup for 11 of the first 19 games during his senior season, it would be easy to sulk or become a negative influence in the locker room.

But University of Maine men’s hockey defenseman Mat Deschamps did neither.

He remained positive, worked hard, and was reinserted into the lineup seven games ago.

He has remained in the lineup ever since.

Deschamps, a native of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who had two goals and seven assists in 82 career games before this season, will be in action tonight and Saturday when Maine hosts Northeastern for a pair of games.

In addition to earning a regular job along the Maine blue line, Deschamps was appointed an assistant captain by coach Tim Whitehead.

Deschamps returned to the lineup after Maine dropped a 4-1 decision at Harvard on Dec. 11.

“After the Harvard game, we felt we needed more of a physical presence at the net front in our own end and on defense and we also needed help on the penalty kill. He’s been good in all three areas throughout his career and he has a lot of big-game experience,” said Whitehead. “He does a lot of the little things well like blocking shots and getting his stick in the passing lanes.”

Whitehead added that Deschamps’ performance in last Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Boston University may have been his best ever.

“He won a lot of loose pucks, he was good on the penalty kill and he was consistently physical without taking penalties,” said Whitehead.

“I’ve just been trying to keep things simple,” said the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Deschamps. “That has probably been the key.”

Playing on a tandem with All-American Prestin Ryan at the end of last season was beneficial, according to Deschamps.

“He played with a lot of confidence and I felt I played well with him,” said Deschamps.

Deschamps said he never dwelled on his plight when he was struggling early in the season.

“You have ups and downs in life like you do in your hockey career. I try to pride myself in hard work. If you work hard, good things will happen to you,” said Deschamps.

“A lot of people look at the big picture. They look at the future or the past and you just can’t do that. That’s what kills you,” said Deschamps. “You have to stay in the present and work on the little things to ensure that you’re getting better.”

Freshman defenseman Bret Tyler said even when Deschamps wasn’t in the lineup, he “kept rooting us young guys on. He helped us out a lot.”

Tyler said Deschamps richly deserved the “A” (assistant captain) on his jersey.

“It couldn’t happen to a better guy. He’s a great leader,” said Tyler.

Sophomore left wing Josh Soares agreed.

“He really set a good example by continuing to work hard even when he wasn’t in the lineup,” said Soares.

Deschamps, who has a goal and three assists in 15 games, said he was deeply honored when he was named an assistant captain “especially when you look at the crop of guys who have been captains here.”