The following article appeared in Thursday's Bangor Daily News: FROSH TO START IN MAINE NET Challenge of new level suits Michaud by Larry Mahoney, Of the BDN Staff ORONO - For the past three seasons, the University of Maine's goal crease has served as Blair's Lair. Blair Allison had been Maine's starting goalie with Blair Marsh backing him up and also seeing some playing time. Both have departed so the new kid between the pipes will be 19-year-old Alfie Michaud. He is already looking forward to the oppotunity, which will begin with the opening Midnight Madness practice on Saturday night-Sunday morning. "I can't wait," said Michaud at Wednesday's Maine hockey meida day at Alfond Arena. "This is what I wanted: a chance to play. And I have it this year, that's for sure. There will be a lot of pressure. But I'm just going to go out and play my game and not not worry about anything else. "Challenges make people tick. That's what I want," added the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Michaud, a native of Selkirk, Manitoba, who was 25-16-2 with a 2.85 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage for the Lebret Eagles in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League last season. The Maine players have confidence in him. "I haven't seen him play [in a game] but back home, I talked to a lot of guys who have played against him and they told me he's one of they best goalies they had ever played against," said Maine senior winger Reg Cardinal. "He has a big spot to fill but I'm sure he'll do a good job. He has worked hard during dry land training." Bear senior center Dan Shermerhorn said assistant coach Grant Standbrook is impressed by Michaud. "He's from the same league as [Boston College goalie] Greg Taylor," Shermerhorn said. "Greg was able to step in and do an adequate job at BC. Hopefully, with our systems and the way we play defensive hockey, we'll give him more support than Greg got." "He can have a big year," added Shermerhorn. "I have confidence in him. He's very relaxed and has a very positive attitude. He knows what's on his shoulders. I hope he doesn't crack under pressure and can just make the big saves. Grant will help him with his technique. He'll only get better." Michaud describes himself as a [Toronto Maple Leafs goalie] Felix Potvin-style of goalie. "I like to come out and challenge. I have a lot of speed and I try to use it to my advantage," said Michaud. His biggest adjustment will be to the speed of college hockey, he said. "Everything is tic-tac-toe [passing and shooting] so I've got to work on my agility," said Michaud. "I've also got to talk [to my teammates] in front of my net and I've always go to be aware because the game is so fast." Michaud is anxious to work with Standbrook and the feeling is mutual. "When you look at the goalies he's coached, his credentials are unbelievable," said Michaud. "He's one of the main reasons I came here. I know I'm going to advance with him helping me." Among Standbrook's former pupils are New York Ranger goalie Mike Richter, Philadelphia Flyer goalie Garth Snow, and New Jersey's Mike Dunham. Matt DelGuidice (Boston) and Scott King (Detroit) also some some limited NHL playing time. "Alfie was teh best goalie I saw in North America last year," said Standbrook. "He's a very good athlete and that's a good starting point." Maine interim head coach Greg Cronin has never seen Michaud play but said he trusts Standbrook's assessment. "Grant feels very comfortable with him and Grant has had a great history with goalies," said Cronin. "The key work is consistency. It's a team game and we've got to be able to play good enough defense so that he's not facing over 25 shots every game. If we can limit teams to 20-25 shots a game, he'll be fine." Cronin also said as long as Michaud doesn't kick rebounds into the prime scoring areas, "he won't have to face second shots because our guys will tie them up and block out." Cronin, whose Bears limited opponents to an average of 26.8 shots per game last season, said if Michaud can register a save percentage in the .870-.880 range, "we'll be fine." Michaud will be backed up by junior Javier Gorriti, a transfer from Salem State and freshman Ed Weshuk of Augusta's Cony High School. -30-