He won’t turn 18 years of age until April 11.

He is the youngest player in Hockey East.

But 6-foot-7 University of Maine freshman Simon Danis-Pepin has quietly become a resourceful defenseman after his recent insertion into the lineup.

The Bears travel to Northeastern for a pair this weekend.

With sophomore Bret Tyler (ankle) and freshman Bryan Plaszcz (shoulder) sidelined, Maine coach Tim Whitehead needed Danis-Pepin to step up and contribute.

And he has.

“He has elevated his game at a time when we needed it the most,” said Whitehead.

In addition to taking a regular shift, Danis-Pepin has logged some time on the power play.

“He has been inspiring to the whole team,” said Whitehead. “He never got down when he wasn’t playing. He just kept working hard in practice to improve.”

Senior defenseman and sometime-partner Steve Mullin said Danis-Pepin has a “great attitude. Even when he wasn’t playing, he was always smiling and joking with everybody and that’s contagious. There isn’t a guy on the team who isn’t happy for him and the way he’s playing and producing.”

Whitehead said Danis-Pepin has the “courage to make a play” without being tentative and has improved his strength so that he can use “his body and his reach” to full effectiveness in the defensive zone.

“Everything is going pretty well,” said the 208-pound Danis-Pepin. “All the extra work I’ve put in, in the weight room and on the ice, has definitely been helpful. Most importantly, I’ve gained a lot of confidence which has enabled me to play with more poise.”

Mullin said, “You can definitely see the strides he has made in his game in all areas. Grant [assistant Grant Standbrook] has taught him how to use his 6-foot-7 frame to his advantage.”

Danis-Pepin said all of the Bear coaches have further aided his development by working with him after practice.

“They’ve all given me little tips which have helped,” said Danis-Pepin.

He has tried to keep things simple and that has proven beneficial.

“That has always been my type of game. I try not to force anything and I try to keep my cool. That helps me play better,” said Danis-Pepin. “I’ve tried to avoid putting myself in dangerous situations.”

The Vandreuil-Dorion, Quebec native does have good offensive skills as evidenced by his 37 points (6 goals, 31 assists) in 39 games for Gatineau in the Quebec AAA Midget League.

“I consider myself an offensive defenseman. I’ll try to get involved in the offense as much as I can,” said Danis-Pepin. “I’m having fun on the power play.”

He said it has been interesting having teammates as much as eight years older but said it hasn’t been an issue.

“It’s unbelievable how respectful the guys have been. They don’t treat me as a kid,” said Danis-Pepin.

He hopes to continue contributing and improving.

“I’ve still got a long journey ahead,” he said.