BC Hockey vs. Maine: Q&A with Jacob Posik of the Maine Campus

We talked to Jacob Posik of the Maine Campus, UMaine's student-run newspaper, about this weekend's games. BC takes on Maine in Portland on Friday night and in Orono on Saturday.

1. Expectations for this Maine team were low coming into the season. Have your expectations for the team changed at all now that we're 8 games in?

Going into the year I expected Maine to be more competitive than they were last year, and I didn’t agree with most pundits who picked them to finish last in Hockey East. Now that we’re eight games in, I’m even more optimistic after seeing this team perform that they will finish better than they did a year ago. This freshman class is undoubtedly the most talented one Maine has recruited since I’ve been in Orono.

2. Maine was able to pull off a big upset win over Quinnipiac in October. What did the Black Bears do differently during that game?

While Maine fumbled last week at Colgate, I don’t think they did anything differently in terms of scheme or compete level against Quinnipiac. When Maine’s young defenders play sound in front of the net and in transition, they have enough talent on their front lines to compete with any team in the country.

3. Are there any standout freshmen on the team that BC fans should look out for?

Two come to mind instantly. Maine is led by first-year standout Mitchell Fossier, who has nine points on the season with six goals and three assists. Fossier has scored the game-winning goal in all three of Maine’s victories on the season, including the overtime game winner against Quinnipiac. The second is Chase Pearson, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound power forward who is third on the team in points with four goals and one assist. Combined, the two freshman forwards have scored half of Maine’s goals through eight games.

4. Boston College has struggled at Alfond in recent years. What do you think makes it such a difficult arena for the Eagles in particular?

One thing I hear from every opposing coach we play (Jerry York included) is how difficult it is to play in front of the Alfond faithful. The student section looms over the opposing goaltender for two periods in the contest, and their noise, pride and spirit never quit, and all of the chanting is led by the band. I can’t imagine how difficult it is to stay focused as an opposing netminder with such constant clamor. If they can get into a goaltender's head after an easy goal, it becomes a lot easier for Maine to play up and compete with higher skilled opponents.

5. What results are you predicting for this weekend's games?

I’m not sure what to expect this weekend, but my prediction is that both teams split the weekend series. BC has played quality Hockey East opponents and Denver, proving they are a top tier contender, as always, in this early season. I do think Maine is better than what the pundits let on though, and will give BC all they can handle throughout the weekend.

BC takes on Maine at 7 PM on both Friday and Saturday this weekend.