There was a strong family resemblance. Maxime Aubut was only 7 when his father died from complications stemming from paralysis suffered in a freak hockey accident in 1993.

His dad, Andre Aubut, was the University of Maine hockey program’s first All-American in 1980.

Maxime Aubut played in the Black Bear alumni hockey game Sunday and had the opportunity to play with some of his father’s former teammates.

Like his dad, Maxime is a smooth-skating defenseman with deceptive speed.

Maxime, who is 19, plays for the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

It was only appropriate that he was here, along with his dad’s best friend and former teammate, Robert Lafleur, for the unveiling of the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center.

His dad put people in the seats at Alfond Arena. He was a magician with the puck and could stop and spin on a dime, leaving opponents hopelessly stranded.

Many of those fans he entertained are still season ticket holders and it has been that support night in and night out that has helped lure the types of players who have kept Maine among the nation’s elite programs.

Maxime Aubut said his dad got him started in the sport and left a lasting impression on him.

“He made a rink in our backyard and we actually played together a lot,” said Maxime. “He taught me the basic things: how to skate and how to have fun on the ice.”

Maxime has been compared to his father.

“People told me I skate like him and I have his speed. He was more skillful than I am. He had great hands. I have [good] hands but not like his,” said the younger Aubut. “I’m a little bit stronger than he was.”

Aubut had four goals and 24 assists in 70 games for Drummondville. He will return to the Voltigeurs next season.

Andre Aubut amassed 32 goals and 104 assists in his four seasons at Maine. He was a three-time all-league selection in addition to his All-American honor and was the ECAC Division II Rookie of the Year.

Maxime considered attending Maine a couple of years ago, but he had already skated in the QMJHL, meaning he would have had to sit out at least a year.

He considers Alfond Arena and the new Shawn Walsh Hockey Center to be “awesome” and said he enjoyed playing with his dad’s former teammates.

“I was happy to see them again,” said Maxime, who had met many of them two years ago when the university honored his late father and their family between periods of a game.

He is no stranger to the state. Drummondville plays Lewiston at The Colisee.

“It’s a nice rink and the people there are good hockey fans. They know hockey,” said Aubut.

He has played against Sidney Crosby, who will be the first pick in the upcoming NHL draft (by Pittsburgh).

“He’s going to be a great player. He’s skates so fast and he’s really strong. He has a good shot and good vision. He has all the tools,” said Aubut. “And he’s a gentleman, a good person.”

Aubut would love to play professional hockey but doesn’t know if he is NHL material.

“If I could play in the American [Hockey] League, it would be awesome,” said Aubut, who would also consider playing in Europe.

Larry Mahoney can be reached at 990-8231, 1-800-310-8600 or by email at lmahoney@bangordailynews. net.