Last season was an agonizing one for University of Maine defenseman Jeff Tory.

He was declared ineligible by the NCAA, had to sit out the 1993-94 season, and lost an additional year of eligibility because Coach Shawn Walsh allowed him to play in three games early in the campaign.

Yet the junior from Coquitlam, British Columbia, has made it worth the wait for the Black Bears. Tory has emerged as one of Maine’s offensive catalysts and is now the leading point-getter among Division I defensemen.

“I’m just trying to take advantage of the opportunity I have this year,” said the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder, who picked up six assists in Maine’s wins over Massachusetts and Merrimack last weekend.

Tory has eight goals and 33 assists for 41 points and has passed Kelly Perrault of Bowling Green (11-28-39) as the nation’s most productive blue-liner.

“(Tory) is emerging. Other than Chris Imes, I don’t think I’d trade him for any defenseman in the league,” Walsh said. “The guy’s just had an unbelievable year, and what a weekend he had.”

Tory has a knack for setting up his teammates for goals with his poise and pinpoint passes.

“Offensively, he just sees the ice so well, and he’s really developed defensively,” Walsh said.

Tory said the offensive chemistry that continues to develop is a result of repetition and knowing the tendencies of his teammates.

“We just try to read off each other,” Tory said. “With all the practice, we’re starting to know what each other’s doing out there, and it’s starting to pay off.”

It isn’t the points Tory is most proud of this season. He is proud of his improvement on defense as the most telling aspect of his season.

“The one thing I’m really trying to work hard on, and the coaches are working with me, is to improve my defensive skills,” said Tory. “That was the really big part I had to learn when I came to college hockey.”

Tory is one of the leading candidates for Hockey East Rookie of the Year.

Maine is getting plenty of intensity from its “black” line, which features Jeff Libby centering Tony Tempestilli and Brad Mahoney.

Libby, a second-year freshman from Waterville, began the year on defense. After returning Dec. 22 from a knee injury, Walsh converted him to a center.

At 6-3, 200 pounds, Libby provides a significant defensive influence on the fourth line, which is a physical, defense-oriented unit.

Mahoney, a sophomore, fits a similar mode at 6-4, 215. Tempestilli is a rugged 5-11, 195-pounder who adds a shade more finesse.

“The fourth line’s been very good for us,” Walsh said. “They got a big goal (Sunday). I’m happy for Brad Mahoney.”

Mahoney, from Duxbury, Mass., had the go-ahead goal in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Merrimack. He appears to be gaining confidence.

“In the last three or four games, I’ve felt really strong on the puck,” said Mahoney, crediting assistant coach Grant Standbrook with helping him learn leverage techniques. “He told me to keep my center of gravity lower and to keep my feet moving a little bit more.”

Two of Mahoney’s four goals have been game-winners, while Tempestilli has four goals and Libby two, one a game-winner. But the “black” line really isn’t out on the ice to score goals.

“We’re really playing well defensively,” Libby said. “We know our role is just to get the puck deep (in the zone), throw our weight around, and create chances.”

The trio has developed into a strong defensive line that also has scoring potential.

“Jeff’s really good defensively. He’s a strong player who hits well,” Mahoney said. “Tony’s not small by any means and he’s really good with the puck, and I’ve got size, too.”

Coach Jack Cosgrove and the University of Maine football program welcomed a pair of new members to the Black Bear family on Valentine’s Day.

Twins Carly Rachel Cosgrove and Matthew Ryan Cosgrove were born Tuesday morning at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Daddy Cosgrove said the babies and mom Marilyn are all fine.

Carly checked in at 5 pounds, 5 ounces, while Matthew is a 5-pound, 2-ounce rookie. Both are looking forward to being home with their 3-year-old sister, Jeri.