Damon returns from benching UMaine forward got ‘wake-up call’

Bangor’s Derek Damon was back in the University of Maine men’s hockey team’s lineup Friday night against the University of Massachusetts Lowell after being benched for last Saturday night’s 6-2 win at Providence College.

Damon, the Bears’ leading scorer with 24 points on 11 goals and 13 assists in 31 games, had been in a prolonged slump with two goals and six assists in his last 18 games. He had only one goal and three assists in even-strength situations and had just one goal in his previous 13 games.

Damon, who had played in every previous game, had a productive week in practice to earn his way back into the lineup, according to coach Tim Whitehead.

The junior said Whitehead and the coaching staff made the right decision in benching him last Saturday night and he learned from it.

“It was a wake-up call. I needed that. I needed to realize I wasn’t invincible. Watching that game was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Damon.

“When you’re a goal scorer and you aren’t scoring, you get a little frustrated. But that’s when your defensive game has to come in [to the forefront]. I was giving up scoring chances on defense and that doesn’t help the team,” said Damon. “[Ben Murphy] wanted to get back in there and he did a great job. The team didn’t give up many scoring chances. It was a must-win game for us and I was happy to see the guys win.”

Senior Murphy replaced Damon in the lineup.

“For me to be successful on the ice, I need to give 110 percent,” added Damon. “I can’t be watching the play and that’s what was happening.”

Whitehead said Damon “needed a night off” and it was good for him to watch a game and gain a perspective on what he needs to do to be productive.

“He needs to keep things simple and use his physical presence,” said Whitehead.

He also praised Damon for his mature attitude in dealing with the situation and expected him to bounce back.

“He was great about it,” said Whitehead.