University of Mass. Lowell (15-15-4, 10-10-1 Fifth in HE)
at
University of Maine (26-2-6, 14-1-6 First in HE)
--> 7pm Saturday, and 5:30pm Sunday
--> Alfond Arena, Orono, Maine
--> Sat .game will be shown on WCSH in Portland and WLBZ in Bangor
 
Here we go! <smile>
 
The University of Maine and UMass-Lowell will conclude their season series
this weekend up at Alfond Arena.  Maine leads the series 1-0 by virtue of an
8-1 dumping  Feb. 4 in Lowell.
 
Maine will be gunning for their fourth Hockey East Regular Season title as
they only need to win one game (or acheive 5 points) in order to claim the
prize.  Maine also won in 1989, 1992, and 1993.
 
In order to do this Maine will need to play the kind of defense that they
have exhibted over the last 4 games.  Also though, the offense has picked it
up as well.  Since losing to UMass-Amherst 4-2, Maine has gone 4-0 and
outscored their opponents 23-5.  Maine is led by Hockey East Rookie of the
Year canadate Jeff Tory (8-33--41), who many people forget sat out the first
three games of this year due to eligibility.  Tory is well supported, as
this Maine team sports one of the most balanced teams in all of college
hockey with 5 players over 30 points, Tory, Sophomore Tim Lovell
(17-18--35), Junior Brad Purdie (22-12--34), Sophomore Dan Shermerhorn
(18-15--33) and Senior defensemen Jacque Rodrigue (10-21--31).  In addition
to those 5 players Maine also has 4 more with over 20 points in Senior Chris
Imes (4-24--28), Freshman Scott Parmentier (11-15--26), Shawn Wansborough
(10-12--22) and Sophomore Barry Clukey (9-12--21).
 
Wansborough, who has been injured since Jan. 15 will return to the lineup
tonight.  I saw him skate yesterday, and he looked fine.
 
Make no mistake though, Lowell can put the puck in the net.  They are led by
All-American canadate Greg Bullock, who led the nation in scoring coming
into Friday with 24-38--62.  Couple Bullock with Christian Sbrocca
(13-30--43) and Jeff Daw (25-14--39) and you have 42% of the River Hawk
offense and a definate focus point for your defense.
 
Maine had last week off, so fatigue should not be a problem.  If Maine can
start quickly and not dig themselves a hole because of the layoff, and also
hold the BIG 3 for Lowell in check, they'll be skating around the Alfond
with a trophy tonight around 10pm.  It's gonna be a fantastic game, one I
can't wait to see.  If you have the TV coverage, definately check it out!!
 
 
--------------------------------------------
Deron  Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
The University of Maine (26-2-6)  GO BLUE!!
Can it be?  HE Glory, is one game away!!
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