Fans ready to jump on this season's band wagon should be excited to know the new Bears have increased speed, canny play, hustle and a new-found ability to miss the goalie belly-button. Pessimists might counter they have yet to be immersed in the defensive play necessary for success, and their goalies were spectacularly unsuccessful. Sure to be a fan-favorite is freshman Joey Diamond, but several of his first-year companions will vie for ice time, giving Maine much needed offensive punch. Maine's returning veterans appeared to not be playing to earn a job, with few exceptions. Last season's role players Brett Carriere and David deKastrozza, now seniors, were relegated to the White team with many of the newcomers; they were spectacular, scoring two goals each. BDN reporter Larry Mahoney wrote "But freshman forwards Diamond, Mangene and Beattie along with Adam Shemansky and Klas Leidermark all exhibited impressive offensive skills." We'll see how these folks deal with the quicker decision times and increased levels of contact, but the recent days of a goalie needing a shutdown to win may be behind the team. Oh yes, the score was Maine White 11, Maine Blue 4. Maine opens their season this Friday and Saturday at Union College. Maine's home openers are the following weekend, October 16 and 17, hosting Michigan State. Cheers, Wayne Related BDN articles: http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/123840.html http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/123318.html http://www.bangordailynews.com/topic/29/browse.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=&page=1&page=24 http://www.bangordailynews.com/topic/29/browse.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=stories&town_id=&page=&page=23 http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/107156.html