Ryan Stone writes:
 > I played my High School Hockey in MAINE.
 > I am sure the Maine people on the list may know more about its current state
 > than I do.  It was very much still in the growing phase when I was playing (My
 > freshman year was the first year my school had a team).  The state Tournament
 > was a pretty big deal, but a far cry from either MASS, RI or MN.  The only
 > player, I can recall, from my area (Area surrounding the University at ORONO),
 > who played Division I hockey (without going away to private school) was Joe
 > McCarthy (VERMONT '93) who played for Bangor High.  I know the University of
 > Maine has had a few players from NYA (Yarmouth, ME), Notably, Olympian and Pro
 > Eric Weinrich.
 
 
About Maine HS Hockey:
 
        Maine High School hockey is still in its growing phase.....and the
state tournament is still a really big deal!!  (I live in Lewiston, where
the tournament is now held every year and haven't missed one yet!).
 
        Although the talent level doesn't compare to that seen in Mass.,
there ARE a lot of talented players in the state.........most, however,
don't end up playing in Division I (The only three names that standout in my
head who played HS hockey in Maine are Barry Clukey (Waterville HS,
UMaine), Eric Weinrich (North Yarmouth Academy, UMaine), and Doug Friedman
(NYA, Boston University).  Many of the players from the Maine HS program
do end up in Division II and III schools and are VERY successful!!! One
example is Paul Croteau, who played for my ole' schools cross town rival,
Lewiston High School. He now plays for Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) and
is a solid defenseman (I believe that he was named to the DivIII East
first team and (correct me if I'm wrong) he may be a candidate for
All-American!).
 
        All in all, Maine Hockey is on the uprise (IMHO) but still needs
to go a lot further to meet the standards set by Minn. and Mass.  Things
are looking up for the future though.
 
        Just a few thoughts......
 
 
 
                                                        Dave Guay
 
                                                        [log in to unmask]
 
                                                        Bates College '95
 
                                                        St. Dominic R.H.S.'91
 
 
St Dominic Regional High School Hockey..........holder of the National
Record for most state hockey titles -- 23 as of this year!!!!!!