ORONO – University of Maine junior left wing Brent Shepheard certainly wasn’t upset when 2005 came to an end.

The first half of the current season was a nightmare for the rugged Shepheard.

He went the first nine games without a point; picked up two five-minute majors and game misconducts over his last four games sandwiching a three-game suspension for violating the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct.

But that is all behind him now and he said he is looking for a “fresh start” beginning this weekend when the Bears entertain UMass Lowell for a two-game set.

“I’m hoping I can start 2006 the way I started 2005,” said Shepheard who had a four-game goal-scoring streak and a five-game points streak during the team’s late-season run a year ago.

Maine coach Tim Whitehead, senior right wing and captain Greg Moore and junior defenseman Mike Lundin said if Shepheard can stay out of the penalty box, he can give the Bears a big lift.

“He can spark [us] a lot,” said Moore. “His physical presence is huge for our team. He came on strong in the second half with goals last year. If we just get him to find the balance between playing physical and tough and not taking penalties, he can contribute a lot.”

Whitehead said Shepheard “brings so many great things to the table” but he has to handle his frustrations and “control his emotions.”

Whitehead said in addition to bringing a consistent physical presence, Shepheard “gets to the net front and scores hard-working goals.”

Lundin called Shepheard a “great player” who brings them a lot of energy, a scoring touch and the ability to make plays to the lineup.

Shepheard acknowledged there is a “fine line” between playing physical and getting penalties.

“Sometimes I get carried away in the heat of the moment and I get myself in situations. The referee doesn’t have a choice but to make a call on me. That’s something I need to work on. I need to try my best to stay away from those five-minute, hitting-from-behind penalties,” said Shepheard, who played on a top line with Michel Leveille and Moore early.

Shepheard will be on a checking line with Jon Jankus and Vince Laise Friday night.

“Obviously, I’d like to be scoring and I’d like to be on the first line and the first power play and all that good stuff. But the important thing is for us to start winning some games. If it means penalty-killing and playing on the fourth line, that’s fine with me as long as we start winning,” said Shepheard. “I’m going to stay positive.”

He feels he is playing well and his confidence is up.

Shepheard has scored at least a point in every game against UML (5 goals, 3 assists) and he “hopes that trend continues.”

He added that it is important that the Bears take full advantage of their “home ice advantage.

“We’ve already let a couple of games at home slip away and we don’t want to do that again,” said Shepheard.