The University of Maine hockey team got to feel good about itself last week, with an exhibition win over the U.S. 18-under team and a nonconference victory over an average Clarkson team.

Now the Black Bears have a chance to pile on some league wins.

Maine (4-6-2, 3-5-1 Hockey East) plays a pair of games at last-place Vermont (3-8-1, 1-6-1) tonight and Saturday night in the Gutterson Field House.

Coaches always talk about league road games being difficult, but these are vital games for the Black Bears if they are to make a run in Hockey East. Anything less than three points (a win and tie) will be a big disappointment.

And four points (a sweep) sure would be nice for Maine before playing a home game against Boston University next week.

“I’m sure they’re looking at us like we’re looking at them — as an opportunity to move up in the standings,” Maine coach Tim Whitehead said. “Hopefully, we’ll win a couple there.”

The good news for Maine: Vermont ranks last in the league in goals (2.25) and goals allowed (4.00)

Vermont is rebuilding with young players. The Catamounts will dress as many as 12 freshmen and sophomores in a game.

“This is all valuable experience, as difficult as it is to go through,” Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon told the Burlington Free Press. The freshmen “are playing in a lot of key situations; they’re getting better and better, and it’s just a matter of time.”

That time might be coming. Vermont looks to be improving, going 2-1 in its past three games, all in Burlington. One of those wins was a 2-1 decision over Massachusetts.

Maine is winless (0-4-1) in its past five league games. The Black Bears’ offense ranks eighth in the league (2.83 goals a game), and their defense is seventh (allowing 3.17 goals).

Usually, when Maine plays a two-game series, goalies Dan Sullivan and Martin Ouellette split the games. But Sullivan has started Maine’s past two games — 35 saves against UMass, 30 against Clarkson — and might get the call both nights this weekend.

Notes: The Maine women (9-5-1, 4-3-1) are in fourth place in Hockey East. The Black Bears play host to second-place Boston College (10-4-1, 5-2-1) at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. … Among the Hockey East awards last week was freshman goalie Brian Billett being named Defensive Player of the Week. Billett, a Kennebunk High School graduate, made his college debut for Boston College, making 31 saves in a 3-2 win over Yale … Hockey East championship tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. Saturday at the TD Garden box office or through ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). The semifinals are March 16, and the championship game is March 17 … Tickets to the women’s championship, March 4-5 at the Hyannis Youth and Community Center, are on sale now. See www.hockeyeastonline.com for information.

 

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