She played her high school hockey on the boys team at Bangor’s John Bapst High School and spent one season playing at Boston College before transferring to the University of Maine.

Hampden native Kim Meagher is one of three Black Bears winding up their careers this weekend when they entertain Vermont on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Center Pam Patterson and defenseman Jenna Cowan are the others who will be honored Sunday on Seniors Day.

“They will be a big loss, in the locker room as well as on the ice,” said junior goalie Genevieve Turgeon. “We’re playing for them this weekend.”

Maine coach Dan Lichterman said it hasn’t been easy for the seniors since he is their third coach in three years.

“I’m sad to see them go. Those kids have had a tough go,” said Lichterman. “Only one of them [Cowan] has had the same coach for two years [men’s assistant Guy Perron]. It has been a tough year to be a leader because they didn’t know what to expect from me and the coaching staff.”

But he said they have handled the situation well and have been key components in a second-half turnaround.

“They’ve really grabbed on in the second half. We’re a much better team,” said Lichterman. “I’ve got to give credit to all the players. Every time we’ve gotten down, they’ve never quit.”

Lichterman said Meagher has been steady on and off the ice and, being from the local area, she has helped generate interest in the community for the program.

Cowan, he said, is an “energy kid” who brings a positive upbeat attitude to the locker room every day.

“She helps everyone prepare themselves to play,” said Lichterman.

He said Patterson has been a late bloomer and has been playing the best hockey of her career lately.

“I wish she had more time here,” said Lichterman. “She has been playing a big role. She is, by far, our best faceoff man and she’s very good in the defensive zone.”

Meagher has a goal and three assists in 32 games this season and has played 128 games in her career between BC and Maine. Patterson has three goals and six assists in 32 games and Cowan has played in 21 games and hasn’t registered a point as yet. Cowan missed 11 games with mononucleosis.

Turgeon said in addition to playing for the seniors, the Bears would like to make a statement this weekend.

“By finishing strong, we want to send a message to the other teams that we’re going to be ready to go next season,” said Turgeon.

lmahoney@bangordailynews.net

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