Bears ready for NCAA matchup with Gophers Zabkowicz excited to play

MINNEAPOLIS – One important thing Tom Zabkowicz has learned during two seasons at the University of Maine is it pays to be flexible.

The versatility demonstrated by the sophomore from Greendale, Wis., has earned him a spot in the lineup for today’s NCAA men’s hockey tournament West Regional first-round game against Minnesota.

It will be a special day for Zabkowicz for a couple of important reasons.

“I’m pretty excited,” said the 6-foot, 184-pounder. “Last year I sat out every [NCAA] game. I’ve always dreamed of playing in the NCAA Tournament, so it’s going to be interesting.”

Zabkowicz expects a contingent of 16 family members and friends from neighboring Wisconsin to be in attendance for the 2:30 p.m. contest at Mariucci Arena.

“I only get to see my parents, when I’m at school, twice a year,” Zabkowicz said. “I never get to see my brothers [Sam, 17, and Luke, 13], so that’s always a plus.

“My dad [John Zabkowicz] was all excited,” he added. “He said, ‘It’s the first time I get to see you play college hockey without flying somewhere.’ And he hates to fly.”

Tom Zabkowicz, who was recruited as a defenseman, has been in and out of the lineup this season for the Black Bears, appearing in 18 games. Coach Tim Whitehead opted to move him back on defense alongside steady junior Steve Mullin for today’s game.

“He played very well when he got in down the stretch and he’s really improved quite a bit throughout the year. He’s playing his best right now,” Whitehead said.

Zabkowicz gives the Bears a combination of a strong defensive presence and someone who can initiate the offense with his skating ability.

“He brings a little physical edge, which we need, especially with [forward Rob] Bellamy out [with a broken hand],” Whitehead said. “That’s why we gave him the nod for this game.”

Zabkowicz played some forward early in the year, then was moved back to defense. After sitting out nine games starting Jan. 28, he was reinserted for UMaine’s March 5 game at Boston College.

Eight days ago, in the Hockey East semifinals against Boston College at the FleetCenter in Boston, he played right wing on the fourth line.

“I think I bring a lot of energy,” Zabkowicz said. “There’s a lot more open space when you play defense than there is when you play offense. I think that’s one of the reasons they recruited me is for my offensive ability and to make plays as a defenseman.”

Still, there can be a fine line between playing consistently and physically in the defensive zone and trying to generate offense. Mullin has confidence he and Zabkowicz can take care of both aspects.

“I think we complement each other fairly well,” said Mullin, a stay-at-home defenseman. “I’ll be the boss on our [defensive] side and give him the puck on their side.”

“He’s got a lot of confidence with the puck,” Mullin added. “When he starts carrying the puck, you know he’s going to make great plays with it no matter where he is on the ice.”

One factor that should help Zabkowicz and UMaine’s offensive threats is playing on Mariucci’s larger, Olympic-size ice sheet.

“On a big surface, I think he’ll be pretty creative with the puck offensively,” Whitehead said. “He needs to be smart, make the play when it’s there, and when it’s not there, don’t try to beat guys one on one.”