December 22, 2024
MEN'S COLLEGE HOCKEY

Bears’ Soares takes on new role, thrives Senior more focused on scoring this year

Josh Soares doesn’t get much recognition.

But the University of Maine senior left wing has quietly put together an impressive career that should see him become the 47th Black Bear to reach the 100-point mark for his career.

Entering tonight’s and Saturday’s Hockey East games at Providence College, he has 95 points (42 goals, 53 assists) in 113 games.

“He’s one of the most underrated players in our league,” said Boston University coach Jack Parker. “He’s very solid in all three zones. He’s so valuable in so many ways and he can finish [score], which is something not many can do.”

New Hampshire goalie Kevin Regan said, “He isn’t flashy, but he really gets the job done. He’s a natural goal scorer. The puck is always on his stick. He has a good nose for the net.”

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Soares is currently leading the Bears in goals with 13 to go with his 15 assists. He has nine goals and five assists in his last eight games and is tied for fourth in the country in power-play goals with eight.

“Things have been going real well for me. I’m not as flashy as some of these other guys, but I just try to do what I can do best. I take pride in how I play and, fortunately, I’ve produced the way I wanted to this year. Hopefully, I can continue to do that,” said Soares, a native of Hamilton, Ontario.

He played in only 15 games as a freshman but became a regular as a sophomore and his statistics have gone up every year. He had 12 goals and 11 assists in 35 games his sophomore year and notched 15 & 26 in 42 games last season.

“I’ve improved. I’ve taken a big jump every year,” said Soares. “Last year, I think I really established myself on the team and, this year, I’ve taken that [role] and expanded it. I’m always working hard to improve.”

Soares said one of the keys to his goal-scoring surge has been the fact “I’ve had a bit of a different role this year. I played with Michel [Leveille] and Greg [Moore] last year and I was in the corners a lot and more looking to pass the puck. Greg was on fire.

“This year, I’ve really focused on shooting the puck a little bit more and getting to the net to score. So far, it has worked out,” said Soares. “That’s where I’ve changed my game. I’ve focused on being more of a goal scorer.”

BU goalie John Curry said Soares has a “great shot” and Providence coach Tim Army said Soares “brings a lot to the table every night. He’s a maintenance-free player, a coach’s dream. He’s reliable.”

Soares and the Bears are looking to bounce back from last weekend’s back-to-back home losses to BU.

“We’re looking to be more consistent and to continue to improve,” said Soares. “Hopefully, we’ll peak at the right time.”

He said reaching the 100-point plateau would be nice, “but I’m just focusing on having good success this year.”

Leveille called Soares a great guy.

“He’s real strong on the puck in the corner. He wins pucks. He’s a great passer, a great shooter. He has great speed and he’s physical. He brings it all,” said Leveille.


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