Howard set on return to UM Black Bear goalie ‘awesome’ in loss

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Everyone entering the University of Maine locker room after Saturday’s 1-0 overtime loss to Minnesota walked past a gray plastic trash barrel.

Protruding from it was a white CCM wooden hockey stick. It was shattered a few inches above the blade, which dangled from the shaft by a few strands of Fiberglas that had withstood the violent blow.

It was the only outward sign of frustration exhibited by the Black Bears, whose season ended in the NCAA West Regional with another one-goal loss during which it was held scoreless.

The stick belonged to junior goaltender Jimmy Howard, who turned in another incredible performance in what might have been his final game for UMaine.

“As of right now I’m going to be coming back to Maine,” Howard said after Saturday’s game.

However, as was the case a year ago, Howard’s status is uncertain. The NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, who drafted him in the second round in 2003, could decide playing in the minors next season would be more beneficial for Howard’s long-term development.

“It’s going to be a family decision, what’s best for me,” Howard explained. “We’re going to weigh the pros and cons and try to make a real good decision on what I should do.”

Howard, who owns a 47-23-10 career record at UMaine with a 1.84 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage, took the spotlight again Saturday.

The 37-save performance by the soft-spoken junior was described by coaches, teammates and opponents as “great,” “unbelievable,” “phenomenal,” “incredible,” and “amazing.”

As the cornerstone of UMaine’s defense-oriented system, the 6-foot, 220-pounder from Ogdensburg, N.Y. kept UMaine in contention Saturday – and all season long.

“It’s almost like we’re cheating as defensemen because we’ve got such a good goalie,” said senior defenseman Mat Deschamps. “He’s incredible. If he sees the puck, he’s going to get it.”

Howard, who has a school-record 15 career shutouts, is at his best in big games. In eight career single-elimination playoff contests, including the Hockey East and NCAA tournaments, he owns a sparkling 1.21 goals-against average and a .962 save percentage.

Minnesota’s Garrett Smaagaard, who assisted on Saturday’s goal, came away shaking his head after trying to solve Howard.

“Their goalie played amazing,” Smaagaard said. “Four, five, six times we thought we had it in the back of the net and he made it look pretty easy.”

Howard had several highlight-reel saves against the Golden Gophers, who manufactured 16 high-percentage shots among 70 attempted and 38 that penetrated the defense.

One came with 2:42 left in regulation and Minnesota on the power play. As part of a 2-on-1, Derek Peltier fired a low shot from the right circle that Howard snared with his glove while sliding across the crease.

“If you want to sum it up in a word, it’s wow,” said UMaine junior Steve Mullin, who was in the penalty box at the time. “That was unbelievable. It had me shaking my head wondering how he did it.”

The Bears didn’t make things easy for themselves, affording Minnesota nine power-play opportunities.

Late in the second period, P.J. Atherton rifled a shot from the left circle that was snuffed and covered by Howard. Atherton threw his hands on top of his head in frustration and disbelief.

“I’ve never played in front of a better goalie than him and, when the game’s on the line, I don’t care who we’re playing, I want him in the net,” said Bears senior captain John Ronan.

Midway through the second period, the Gophers parlayed a UMaine turnover into a 3-on-1 rush. Kris Chucko had an open lane to the net, but Howard gloved his point-blank wrist shot.

Playing on a team devoid of offensive stars has increased the pressure on Howard and the UMaine defense while trimming the margin for error.

“That’s not the kind of pressure we like to see him under,” said UMaine assistant coach Grant Standbrook.

Even after Jon Jankus tried to cut off Smaagaard behind the net and allowed Evan Kaufmann to get open for the game-winning shot, Howard didn’t assess blame. For the almost unflappable Howard, the buck – and the puck – stops with him.

“He just put an excellent shot on me,” Howard said. “He just put it a little bit over the ice over my right pad and those are tough shots for a goaltender.”

Despite UMaine’s lack of offensive production, Howard views playing so many close games as helping him improve his skills.

“It’s a good confidence-builder and it definitely builds your game up because it works on your focus ability,” Howard said.

During the offseason, the Bears will keep their fingers crossed that Howard will return for his senior season in Orono.