Backup awaits Howard’s decision Lundin to play in junior hockey league if All-American returns to Maine

The wait continues.

The University of Maine’s hockey team is awaiting the decision of All-American goalie and school career shutout leader Jimmy Howard, who will either return for his senior year or sign with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Detroit drafted him in the second round in 2003.

The player who will be most impacted by his decision is Matt Lundin.

Lundin was a freshman at Maine this past season and backed up Howard. He appeared in nine games covering approximately 150 minutes and had a 2.00 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage. He was 1-0.

Maine coach Tim Whitehead and Lundin decided it was in his best interest to get playing time this coming season so, if Howard returns to Maine, Lundin will head to Kearney, Neb., and play for the Tri-City Storm of the United States (Junior) Hockey League.

If Howard signs, Lundin will return to Maine and vie for the starting job with incoming freshman Ben Bishop, a third-round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues.

“I’m kind of anxious [about Howard’s decision],” said Lundin. “Either way, I’ll be playing hockey. I’ll be in a good situation. I’ll be back there this year or the year after that. Whenever [Maine] needs me, I’ll be there.”

Lundin said he has to leave for Kearney on Friday but he could still return to Maine if Howard signs after that.

Lundin didn’t want to use up a second year of eligibility backing up Howard so Bishop will inherit that role if Howard returns.

“Backing up Jimmy another year wouldn’t help me too much,” said Lundin.

That would mean Lundin and Bishop would each have three years of eligibility remaining when Howard graduates. Under NCAA rules, a player has five years in which to complete four years of eligibility.

Although he saw limited playing time at Maine, Lundin said it was a beneficial year.

“It was a great learning experience. I got a chance to work with Grant [assistant coach Standbrook] and the other coaches and watch the best goalie in college hockey,” said Lundin.

But Lundin said there’s no substitute for playing time and if he goes to Kearney, he intends to work on his puck movement to become “like a third defenseman out there” and to improve his anticipation.

“One of Jimmy’s best strengths is his anticipation, reading the play and reading every situation,” said Lundin who hopes to have a good season in Kearney and return to Maine a better and more seasoned goalie.

He said he knows the coaching staff in Kearney because he had contemplated joining the team instead of returning for his senior year at Apple Valley (Minn.) High School, where he received the Frank Brimsek Award given to the top senior goalie in Minnesota. He also knows some of the players.

Lundin said if Howard signs, he is confident he and Bishop can give Maine the goaltending it needs to make another NCAA Tournament run.

“If Jimmy leaves, I know people will be saying Maine doesn’t have a chance. But Ben and I are both competitive and we’ll want to prove the goaltending can be just as good as it has been,” said Lundin who also noted that the Bears should have a very good team this season.

Lundin, who was named to the Hockey East All-Academic team, said he will take a year off from school if he goes to Tri-City.