BOSTON – The toughest ordeal for an athlete is watching from the sidelines, particularly if injury isn’t part of the equation.

There will be four University of Maine Black Bear hockey players who will be in the lineup for Saturday’s NCAA championship game who have been sidelined for stretches spanning at least seven games this season.

The term that is used is healthy scratches.

Senior left wing Cam Lyall (12 games), sophomore defenseman Steve Mullin (9), junior defenseman Mat Deshamps, and freshman left wing Mike Hamilton (7) persevered and they have been rewarded for it.

“It’s definitely hard at times,” said Hamilton. “But we have 27 players and all of them can play. That motivates you to work harder. That makes you play at the top of your game.”

“It makes us a better team,” said Mullin, who pointed out that strong performances in practice will eventually be rewarded.

“If you’re sharp in practice, the coaches won’t have much of a choice [but to put you in the lineup],” said Mullin.

Deschamps said, “You know down the line, the team will need you to step up. We have to play like we know how to play. You have to make the best of the situation. Every season has ups and downs. You have to make the most of your opportunity.”

Deschanps added that it is a close-knit team “and we all support each other.”

“We want what’s best for the team and when you get your chance, you have to make the most of it,” said Lyall.

Junior right wing John Ronan said the fact everyone has contributed in some manner is a credit to the work ethic of the team.

“Everybody has stuck with it,” said Ronan.

Senior left wing and captain Todd Jackson said he is particularly pleased for Lyall, who will be playing in only his 58th career game Saturday.

“He has been my roommate for the last two years and he has never complained and never said anything bad about anybody,” said Jackson. “He has always worked hard in practice and when he got his chance to play, he took advantage.”

Lyall said he would rather be a semi-regular at an elite program than a regular at a “Division III or low-end Division I program.”