This freshman class represents the foundation of the future of this
program.  Simply put, we will find out how much trouble we are in
without Grant Standbrook doing our recruiting (if any).  Maybe the
program will be just fine, but early returns aren't great.  But they
are JUST early returns. (For instance, a lot of people say Hillary
Clinton will be our next president.  In other words, stay tuned.)

First and foremost, the sheer numbers.  Anyone who has been to a game
or looked at a roster can recognize how many players were brought in. 
Most of these players were given some amount of scholarship money which
is not easily (ethically) taken away.

Secondly, this class was the first class in what 15-20 years to not be
the work of Grant Standbrook.  Maine has enjoyed ALL of its success
with Grant's work and while he is still around helping Ben Bishop work
on the fundamentals of playing goalie (PS keep working), he isn't "out
there" getting us the diamonds in the rough that someone referred to
earlier.

No one can fill Grant's shoes, but the timing of his retirement could
not have been worse for the program when the first freshman class would
be this large.  I do not believe UMaine has the luxary to make many
recruiting errors and remain competitive against the BCs, BUs and UNHs
of the league.  This large class is the future of UMaine hockey and if
Guy Perron is as good as we all hope he is, then we will end up just
fine.  If he is average or worse.... in the words of a good friend of
mine... we are done.  (At least for awhile)

-Deron