The University of Maine men’s hockey team’s struggles on the ice haven’t spilled over into the classroom. The hockey team’s 3.12 grade-point average last semester was the best in the history of the program dating back to the 1977-78 season. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Come summer weekends, you’re likely to find Ken Hoehlein on a boat, casting toward likely spots in hopes of hauling in a lunker bass. The Trenton man is an avid tournament bass fisherman, president of the Bangor Bass Club and loves to share his passion… Read More
LEE – Lee Academy basketball standout Hakeem Rodriguez has been suspended from the team and school in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s game at Calais where he drew three technical fouls. “He’s been suspended from school for a minimum of a week and from the… Read More
They started running together in high school, and they’ve re-united at the college level. Brothers Steven and Joey DeWitt, former Ellsworth High cross country and track and field standouts, have enjoyed exceptional campaigns this year at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, with Steven DeWitt… Read More
The return of some of the members of Maine’s first hockey team to Alfond Arena last week brought back sweet memories. This is the group that set the tone for the program. Their connection with the fans created a fervent base that continues to support… Read More
Throughout New England and the Northeast, basketball players who starred at Maine high schools are playing at the collegiate level. One of the young women who has discovered a nice fit for her basketball talents is Sarah Roderigue of Oakland. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
Jason Smith skated toward the Camden Hills goal during a recent game with a couple of options running through his mind. Shoot to score, and perhaps reach an individual milestone in the process, or drop a pass back to a charging teammate for an even… Read More
Old-time New England sports fans may have a dilemma on Super Bowl Sunday. For those who have been NFL fans for more than 50 years, the New York Giants were the team of choice because the Patriots didn’t begin play in the American Football League until 1960. Read More
Boothbay’s Matthew Forgues finished second in the 3,000-meter racewalk at the Sorlein meet at University of Rhode Island on Saturday with at time of 14 minutes, 21.87 seconds and had a personal-best time of 14:09.5 Sunday at the Greater Boston Track Club Invitational at Harvard University. Read More
Former University of Maine defenseman Mike Lundin has been selected to play in the NHL’s YoungStars game on Saturday in Atlanta as part of the NHL’s All-Star weekend. Lundin has played in all 48 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and has five assists. The… Read More
University of Maine women’s hockey coach Dan Lichterman said 14 days of “great effort” were rewarded Sunday when his Black Bears snapped their 20-game winless streak (0-18-2) with a 4-1 win over Northeastern. Maine outshot NU 43-26. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Last week I shared my view on a recently introduced bill that would require Mainers to eventually take a safety course before operating motorboats in the state. My take: The folks who are causing problems on our waters today wouldn’t be likely to change their… Read More
Those who know me best remember that I began all this basketball stuff in training to become a high school basketball referee. What may seem odd to some was a smooth transition in my opinion from playing the game I loved to officiating it like… Read More
In October of 2003, a group of industrial, conservation and state and federal agencies – along with the Penobscot Indian Nation – announced a bold plan to restore the Penobscot River by buying dams, eliminating them or adding fish passages and reopening the watershed to migrating fish. Read More
Last weekend, in my first article of the New Year, I suggested sportsmen set goals rather than making confining resolutions. In an effort to practice what I preach, I spent several days during the first week of 2008 in the balmy climes of Costa Rica attempting to fulfill… Read More
The subject heading of the Mainebirding e-mail alert read “boreal owl.” I excitedly opened it but was dismayed to find this small owl had been found dead on Monhegan Island last week. Someone on the mail list had speculated the bird had probably died of… Read More
The Merryspring Nature Center in Camden is staging a pair of events that may be of interest to a variety of outdoors enthusiasts. On Jan. 29, Merryspring will hold a Lyme disease panel discussion at 7 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Teens To Trails is a new organization that’s dedicated to helping Maine high schools develop outdoor programs and outing clubs. It was founded by Carol and Bob Leone of Edgecomb in 2006. They started the organization after their 15-year-old daughter, Sara, a member of the… Read More
Two 15-year-old kids have made verbal commitments to join the University of Maine hockey program – beginning in 2010. These early decisions are all above board, all within NCAA recruiting guidelines, and Maine certainly isn’t alone in playing this recruiting futures game. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
HERMON – Hermon High School is a hosting Veterans Recognition basketball game tonight. Free admission is provided for veterans and military personnel to the boys basketball games against Ellsworth. The junior varsity game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity is at 7 p.m. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Two more undefeated girls basketball teams went down Wednesday night as Calais and Ashland knocked off Lee and Greater Houlton Christian Academy, respectively, after losing to both teams earlier in the season. The Blue Devils beat the Pandas 63-61 in an Eastern Maine Class C… Read More
BANGOR – Lucas Levesque had to be shaking his head in disbelief as he sat on the bench at Newman Gymnasium prior to Wednesday night’s women’s basketball game between his University of Maine-Fort Kent team and Husson College. The Bengals’ fifth-year coach arrived in Bangor… Read More
While most of the state’s other ice anglers are typically allowed to spend the first two weeks of January hitting their favorite lakes and ponds, a group in northern Maine sits on shore, making plans for their own special opening day. On Long Lake, which… Read More
There are a lot of youthful, inexperienced basketball teams in the Maine Division III women’s ranks this season. That dynamic was in evidence again Tuesday night in Castine, where Maine Maritime Academy entertained Bowdoin College of Brunswick. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Saturday’s schoolboy basketball game between Lee Academy and Houlton not only matched two of the top six teams in Eastern Maine Class C rankings but also probably the teams with the toughest schedules in the division. Lee Academy’s 65-53 victory left the Pandas with a… Read More
For four years, Todd Jenkins electrified the Alfond Arena faithful. The Michigan speedster had a fifth gear very few possess. The last thing opposing defensemen wanted to see was Jenkins with the puck and a full head of steam motoring through the neutral zone. “It… Read More
The University of Maine men’s hockey program has landed a prolific center who plays for the Compuware Midget Minor Elite Under-16 team in Plymouth, Mich. Stuart Higgins, the third-leading scorer in the Midwest Elite League with 15 goals and 18 assists in 21 games, has… Read More
Thoughts today turn to all those folks in the bleachers who make their way across the region to attend basketball games. When I coached, I never really gave a lot of thought to what was going through the minds of the spectators. Oh, I was… Read More
In some ways, Saturday night’s game against the University of Maryland Baltimore County was the toughest game on the University of Maine men’s basketball schedule so far this season. The game was the fifth straight regular-season game on the road for the Black Bears, and… Read More
In the coming weeks, you may be hearing more about state Rep. Thomas Watson’s bill that would help … OK, force … all of us to become better boaters before hitting the state’s lakes. His bill – L.D. 2067 – is described as “An Act… Read More
When she found out she was pregnant, Jen Babcock didn’t have a tough time finding a temporary replacement for her post as John Bapst cheering coach. She just asked Jessica Lawrence to take over some of the duties. It’s a formula that has worked well… Read More
“To be elected … is an overwhelming experience. I can’t put into words what it means to me.” So said Goose Gossage of his election to baseball’s Hall of Fame this week. The day of his election was “quite a special day, to say the… Read More
The holidays this year were for me what they are for most people: hectic while trying to squeeze in time to see loved ones. I ended up making a very short visit to New Jersey, flying back up here later on Christmas Day. Since I still had a… Read More
I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. It’s not that my life couldn’t stand a few alterations; less of some things, more of others, and even the elimination of certain foibles, but these are changes that can be made at any time of year. My… Read More
Maine enjoys a well-earned reputation as a haven for wild brook trout, as well as the anglers who fish for them. And while Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife biologists spend plenty of time working on management plans for the species, they’ll admit that there’s… Read More
The Greenland Point Center in Princeton is accepting applications for two camps that will be held this winter. The first is a winter conservation camp for girls and boys age 10-14, which will be held on Feb. 15-17. Students will learn about snowmobile safety and… Read More
Three of the four 2007 state cheerleading champions will be in action this weekend as four different competitions will be held around the region. The Hermon High cheerleaders, who won their first Class B state title last year, are eager to get on the floor… Read More
From the moment he won his first title as a freshman, Foxcroft Academy’s Jerod Rideout has pursued wrestling history – the quest to become just the ninth four-time state champion from Maine. “I thought about it right after my freshman year,” he said. “My goal… Read More
New England Sports Network drops the puck tonight on its fifth straight season and 23rd overall of Hockey East television coverage with the debut of Hockey East Friday Night. The first game of the HEFN schedule is No. 8-ranked New Hampshire at No. 5 Massachusetts… Read More
The current January thaw notwithstanding, plenty of ice anglers have enjoyed a relatively early start to their season this year. Since that’s the case, it’s certainly not too early to start planning for the fishing derbies that begin cropping up later this month, and continue… Read More
Tracy Guerrette has never been afraid of hard work. She’s doing plenty of it these days as the sports information director, head women’s basketball coach – and van driver – at the University of Maine-Presque Isle. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
The Calais boys basketball team had considerable down time between its Dec. 19 win against Woodland and Monday’s 79-58 victory at Washington Academy of East Machias. Suffice to say the Blue Devils look like they took full advantage of the break in the action. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Christian Lalonde is back in Hollywood after returning from a trip to Maine to visit his wife’s family and watch his alma mater, the University of Maine, which dropped a 7-3 men’s hockey decision to Northeastern Friday. Lalonde, 33rd on the school’s all-time scoring list… Read More
EAST MACHIAS – High school cheering teams from throughout Washington County will meet at Gardner Gymnasium on the campus of Washington Academy on Friday for the annual Downeast Athletic Conference cheering competition. The event starts at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. The… Read More
It hasn’t been a good couple of days for the some of the undefeated girls basketball teams in Eastern Maine. Central Aroostook of Mars Hill beat Washburn, which had a 7-0 record before the Panthers’ 47-35 win on Thursday. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot… Read More
When it comes to ice fishing, I’m a bit of a procrastinator. It’s not that the idea of drilling a few holes and spending a day snacking while waiting for flags to fly isn’t attractive. It’s just that I’m a bit of a chicken. Or… Read More
Jovan Belcher broke into the defensive lineup for the University of Maine football team in 2005 as a linebacker. He turned in two solid seasons for the Black Bears, but the coaching staff believed Belcher had the potential to be more productive in a different… Read More
One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing a weekly column for this newspaper is the number of e-mails I receive suggesting some strategy or another for improving sports. Among those letters are ideas for making the high school basketball game better for all participants. Read More
I take great pride in announcing I actually typed ’08 for the first time without having to go back and erase the ’07. It is already a successful 2008. They are the Amarillo Rattlers, the Austin Icebats, the Lubbock Cottonkings and the Odessa Jackalopes. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
There’s one hike I look forward to every year. Well, ever since New Year’s Day, 2000. That’s when I started what has become an annual tradition for me, climbing Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park before dawn to see the sunrise. The first time it… Read More
For eight rapid-fire minutes, Vaughn Anthony stood at a lectern on Friday and told the assembled outdoor decision-makers exactly what he thinks of the state’s moose hunt … and what he thinks needs to be done. Anthony didn’t look at notes. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
The Maine Department of Conservation and the Maine Recreation and Park Association have joined forces to host a series of outdoor recreation events this winter. Under the banner of Gov. John Baldacci’s “Take It Outside” initiative, Maine families can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and other… Read More
Each new year brings reason for hope, so here are a few sports hopes I have for 2008: . That the New England Patriots re-sign Randy Moss, and that Moss understands the value of his relationship with the team isn’t measured totally in the number… Read More
In years past, ice anglers waited anxiously for Jan. 1, which served as the semi-official opening day of their season. Of course, the ice had to be safe … and some lakes and ponds opened earlier or later in the year, or not at all. Read More
The University of Southern Maine is gearing up to host the USM Invitational women’s basketball tournament beginning Friday at Hill Gymnasium in Gorham. Coach Gary Fifield’s Huskies (8-1) have been anxious to return to action after suffering their first loss of the season, 74-58 Dec. Read More
For many young high school wrestlers, the 103-pound division is a gateway to heavier ambitions – the result of nature taking its course among growing teens. But for Caribou High School senior Carlin Dubay, the 103-pound division has been the gateway to championships, so much… Read More
In sports, you are always remembered by your last game. It’s probably not fair because you are judged on your last body of work rather than an accumulation of work. But that’s the way it is. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Bangor High assistant boys soccer coach Don Erb was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas North Region Assistant Coach of the Year on Tuesday. The Orono native will now be eligible for the national assistant coach award. The winner will be announced at… Read More
Happy New Year! I should tell you right up front that there aren’t a lot of New Year’s resolutions being made in my house. Seems like they quickly go by the boards and no one seems to ever have a weight problem, at least one… Read More
The Lone Star State will be represented on a University of Maine hockey roster for the first time beginning in the 2009-2010 season. Winger Johnnie Searfoss, a native of Colleyville, Texas, has verbally committed to attend Maine on a hockey scholarship. googletag.cmd.push(function () { //… Read More
Boothbay High School sophomore Matthew Forgues won the boys one-mile racewalk Saturday in the Brown University Invitational at Providence, R.I., with a time of 7 minute, 29.46 seconds. Lisbon High junior Tyler Campbell was second in 8:15.89. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
It’s the annual Thorns and Roses time of the year in this column. We’ll start with the thorns. The only problem here was cutting the ugly, long list down to size. 5. To all the athletes who used steroids and performance-enhancing drugs, stick this thorn… Read More
As the plane taxied slowly toward the runway, my attention was drawn to the location and holding position signs we were passing. Perched atop one was a small falcon. I wasn’t sure which small bird of prey I was seeing at first, but as we… Read More
Well, another year is nearly behind us, and it’s time to take one last look back before we put 2007 in the history books. It’s been an eventful year for outdoors enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to get out and have a good time …… Read More
The spirit of self-sufficiency has led to the spirit of giving around the holiday season for the George Stevens Academy boys basketball program. The Eagles, represented by captains Ebb Walton and Josh Astbury and coach Dwayne Carter, recently presented a check for $500 to the… Read More
Merry Christmas! Thoughts turn today to the most magical of seasons, a time my sister and I sat on the stairs in our Highland Avenue home in Bangor and waited patiently for our parents to wake up so we could race to the tree and open Santa’s presents. Read More
No lack of negative and ugly sports stories to write about, so thank goodness for George. Congratulations, broadcast partner. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i = 0; i < slot_sizes.length;… Read More
If there’s such a thing, Bernard Parady Gymnasium at MDI High School still has that new-gym smell – or as close as it gets. MDI, Penobscot Valley of Howland and Narraguagus of Harrington are among the facilities that underwent renovations this year. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BAR HARBOR – A video featuring Mount Desert Island High School football standout Terrence Jones returning an interception 57 yards for a touchdown this past season is one of eight finalists in the 2007 UPS Delivery Intercept Challenge Bowl. The nationwide contest is a search… Read More
Each year, as various state agencies vie for a piece of the finite financial pie, hunters and fishermen wonder what will become of the department that serves many of their needs. With pressure from other interests and assorted budget crunches, the Maine Department of Inland… Read More
The Kittery Trading Post will hold an antiques appraisal on Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. During the event, a roomful of experts will offer exhibits and free appraisals of all kinds of outdoor gear. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
“You want to do what?” I asked, lowering the newspaper so I could look over the top at my wife Linda. Despite reading an article, I was pretty sure I’d heard her correctly but was hoping to see a smile on her face that might indicate she was… Read More
It was gray and overcast, and roads were slick in spots due to the recent snow and sleet we had received. Temperatures were cold enough to be bracing but not uncomfortable, as long as one kept moving. My neighbor, Mary Ellen, had a friend’s dog… Read More
Eric Lee, a defensive end at Dean College, has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Maine starting next fall. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Lee helped lead Dean College, of Franklin, Mass., to a 9-1 record and the Northeast Football Conference championship… Read More
Santa Claus will be generous with Maine sports fans this year, because the naughty have been few when compared to the nice. The Patriots will win it all again and make history while doing it, leaving Miami’s undefeated 1972 team to pour its champagne down… Read More
At the risk of offending your sensibilities this morning, I’d like to … well … engage in some bathroom talk. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound like great breakfast-time reading. But it could be important. And I promise not to get too graphic. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
The University of Maine-Fort Kent has announced its Nordic ski team roster in anticipation of the upcoming season. Coach Roy Michaud’s Bengals are gearing up for their season-opening meet, the Maine Nordic Division 5K Classic, scheduled Jan. 4 at the Carrabassett Valley Touring Center. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
The Portland Pirates played the Manchester Monarchs Tuesday night as the American Hockey League ventured north. It was the Pirates’ first visit to Orono. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false; for (var i… Read More
They’ve wrestled in the shadow of a regional rival in recent years, but this winter the Belfast High wrestling team is poised to mount its most serious challenge for a Class B state championship since winning back-to-back crowns in 1994 and ’95. The Lions are… Read More
After more than two years of informal debate and more recent formal public testimony, you’d think we’d be a bit closer to a consensus on Plum Creek’s development plan for the Moosehead Region. Unfortunately, we’re not. We’re simply closer to a decision by the state’s… Read More
The move to Eastern Maine Class B has been a good one so far for the Old Town girls basketball team. The Coyotes have been competitive in all three of their games so far this winter and emerged from the first week of the season… Read More
When I was a young teacher who taught English and coached basketball, a lot of the school systems I was involved with had severe discipline for athletic code violations such as drinking and smoking by participants. As time passed many, if not most, of the… Read More
The holiday season is officially upon us, and many of us are busy making last-minute plans. None of us, I’ll bet, are planning to die this weekend. But we might do just that … if we’re not careful. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var… Read More
JAMAICA, N.Y. – St. John’s University scored the game’s first 15 points, seven by guard Sky Lindsay, and cruised to an 80-50 women’s basketball victory over the University of Maine Black Bears Friday night at Carnesecca Arena. St. John’s improved to 7-2 while sending Maine… Read More
Maine has produced a lot of quality people over the years who became national leaders on numerous fronts. George Mitchell is one of those people. As a Senator, a federal judge, a mediator in Northern Ireland and in numerous other vital tasks, he has been a true leader. Read More
During my multitude of outdoor excursions over the years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of accommodations with some extreme variations in comfort levels. With age comes wisdom, or perhaps I’ve just gotten wimpy, because I’ve no longer the need or desire to rough it. Having spent many a… Read More
As I’ve done every year for the past several years, I spent Thanksgiving holiday in New Jersey, my home state. In between dinner preparations and visiting, I was able to get out to do some bird watching. My sister, Diane, and I went down to… Read More
The Natural Resource Education Center in Greenville is sponsoring an evening program to present the results from a recent Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife study of wild brook trout populations in the large lake systems of the Moosehead region. The program will be held… Read More
Jack Cosgrove’s emergence as a candidate for the head football coaching vacancy at the University of Rhode Island raises some serious red flags about the state of the sport at the University of Maine. Cosgrove basically has bled UMaine blue and white since his quarterbacking… Read More
In the weeks before deer hunters headed into the woods this fall, Bob Bastey – owner of Bob’s Kozy Korner in Orrington – came up with an idea to spice up the season. This wasn’t going to be your typical “big buck” contest, either. This… Read More
The University of Maine women’s basketball team still has a lot of issues to work out as it heads into the home stretch of the first semester. Coach Cindy Blodgett’s Black Bears (1-7) are mired in a seven-game losing streak, the longest since former coach… Read More
Nathan Nevells of Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln and Andrew Weiss of Rockland were recognized as 2007 LTC Class C football players of the year during the conference’s annual awards banquet held Sunday. This marks the first time in LTC history two players have shared the… Read More
The news that the University of Maine is going to get new artificial surfaces for football, field hockey and baseball is important. Football and baseball will get artificial grass-like surfaces (i.e., FieldTurf) while field hockey will get an AstroTurf-type surface. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define… Read More
The start of the high school wrestling season doesn’t necessarily pack the same importance as those of Heal Point-based sports in Maine. But there are bragging rights to be gained, as well as opportunity for individual development in anticipation of the championship season to come. Read More
BANGOR – Eric Weinrich, a former University of Maine All-American and long-time NHL defenseman who is currently playing for the AHL’s Portland Pirates, will be signing autographs in Bangor today. He will be at Maine Savings Bank on Broadway from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and at Sawyer Arena from 5-7… Read More
ORRINGTON – An open house at Rocky Knoll Country Club will be Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Two new indoor golf simulators will be at the open house with new leagues forming. Call 989-0109 for more information. Read More
University of Maine senior defenseman and captain Travis Ramsey is one of 20 nominees for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in hockey. CLASS is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School and is based on four Cs: classroom, character, community and… Read More
The snow that blankets Greater Bangor helps cover up a couple of important facts. First, it’s not officially winter yet. Second, it may not be snowmobile season yet, either. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner… Read More
All this hoopla about a new Bangor Auditorium was conveniently juxtaposed with the beginning of the start of regular-season high school basketball play. For teams in Classes B, C and D in Eastern Maine, the Auditorium represents the final, ultimate goal of success. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
There were no decisions made – there was not even a straw vote taken – but the Maine Principals’ Association soccer committee spent part of its Monday morning meeting talking about the concept of centralized sites for state championships. MPA assistant executive director Larry LaBrie,… Read More