MAINE vs. CAPE BRETON

Time, site: Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Alfond Arena, Orono

Records: Maine 0-0, Cape Breton 9-0

Series, last meeting: first meeting (exhibition)

Key players: Maine (last season’s statistics) – 6-2 G Ernest Turner (13.6 ppg, 2.8 apg, 2.6 rpg), 6-4 G Jason Hight (3.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 3.1 apg); 6-10 F-C Olli Ahvenniemi (1.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg), 6-6 G Freddy Petkus (4.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg – 2003-04); Cape Breton – 6-7 F Eric Breland (18.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg), 6-4 G-F Paul Blake (14.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.7 spg), 6-3 G Ryan Keliher (10.0 ppg, 2.3 apg, 1.6 spg), 6-3 G Corey Hargrove (5.2 rpg), 6-8 C Jarrett Timmons (64.6 FG pct.)

Outlook: The Capers should provide an instant test for the Black Bears as they have chemistry, size, confidence and scoring proficiency. The fact they are on a roll to start the season is no hindrance, either. The Bears are young and unproven, but appear to have a lot of depth, especially in the backcourt with 10 of 15 players being guards. That depth will be tested early as Maine has lost star guard and team leader Kevin Reed to a foot injury for as many as six weeks. The other test will come for Maine’s frontcourt, which is very young with only Ahvenniemi and Ammar Harknell having any “varsity” minutes or experience. Petkus and Ernest Turner will be counted on for guidance, leadership and production while the younger guys (Hight and junior Chris Bruff) shepherd Maine’s seven rookie players, who coach Ted Woodward hopes mature quickly.