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Seniors Night at University of Maine hockey games are usually festive occasions.
The Black Bear seniors are honored after the final regular season home game and get an opportunity to address the Alfond Arena faithful.
But this weekend will be different.
Over the past six seasons, when Seniors Night rolled around, Maine had already clinched or was on the verge of sewing up an NCAA Tournament berth.
The Bears will enter this weekend’s series against UMass Lowell in desperate need of a sweep or at least a win and a tie to move closer to an NCAA tourney spot.
Maine is 16-10-6 and in 18th spot in the PairWise Rankings that ultimately determine the at-large teams to the NCAA Tournament.
Sixteen teams make the NCAA Tournament: six conference tournament champs and 10 at-large teams.
UMass Lowell is 19-7-4 and tied for seventh in the PairWise thanks to their current 15-2-3 stretch.
If Maine can pick up at least three of four points, it would also ensure the Bears would host a Hockey East quarterfinal series with UMass Lowell being the probable opponent.
“It makes it a little more interesting, that’s for sure,” said Maine defenseman Troy Barnes, one of five seniors who will be honored Saturday night.
“There’s a lot more pressure on us. It’s not just a fun night for the seniors this year. It’s a huge weekend for us. We have to go out and work hard. We’re going to enjoy it because it’s our last regular season home series but we have a job to do and we have to think of that first,” Barnes added.
“This will make it even better,” said senior defenseman Mat Deschamps. “What more could you want? Having a night to celebrate you and your accomplishments over four years and then, on top of it, you have the opportunity to play a meaningful game that means so much to you, the fans and your teammates.”
Maine senior co-captain and right winger John Ronan said there will be “that much more emphasis now that so much is at stake.
“Especially if you look at who we’re playing, Lowell, a team that hasn’t really been in the big picture the past few years and now they’re right up there in the NCAA Tournament,” said Ronan.
“We know we have to win,” said senior center Ben Murphy. “We’ve got to get some big wins down the stretch to lock up a spot [in the NCAA Tournament]. This will put a little added pressure on us but that’s never bad. It helps out the team to get going. It should make it an exciting weekend.’
Maine has gone 99-39-21 over the last four years for a winning percentage of .689. The Bears have played in two NCAA championship games, losing to Minnesota 4-3 in overtime in 2002 and to Denver 1-0 last season.
“They’ve been a key to our success. They’ve played with a lot of heart and they’re great people who are respected by their teammates,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead.
“They have a great work ethic and a never-quit attitude,” said junior center Derek Damon.
“And they’re awesome guys in the locker room,” said junior right wing Greg Moore. “It’s been a joy to have them around.”
Senior winger Matt Greyeyes, like the other four, said it has been a memorable four years.
“I don’t regret a minute here,” said Greyeyes.
“It has been an unbelievable journey,” said Barnes. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I just want to finish strong, win this series and get in the NCAA Tournament somehow and make an impact.”
Ronan said it has gone by quickly.
“Everybody says that, but you realize that when you become a senior,” he said. “We’ve experienced so much more than most other college hockey players. It’s been the time of my life.”
Murphy added, “It’s exciting. It’s sad it’s coming to an end.”
Deschamps said he has grown a lot.
“I can’t believe I got through four years of schooling,” said Deschamps. “Being able to grow up in this environment has taught me a lot of lessons I’ll be able to carry out through whatever I do.”
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