BIDDEFORD — This may still be the summer off season for the UNE hockey squad, but that’s not to say they haven’t been busy. Quite the contrary.
There have been arena seats to paint, a schedule to finalize, and season tickets to sell.
All those are vital details to be checked off as the Nor’easters ready themselves for the jump to Division-III status as members of the ECAC East league.
It’s all part of bringing high level hockey to Biddeford Arena.
“I just want people to come to the building,” said UNE coach Brad Holt, “and see what it’s like.”
Holt and members of his team spent much of the summer helping to spruce up the 33 year old arena.
Bleachers have been taken on new colors ”“ much of it Nor’easter blue and white ”“ and the team’s dressing room has been fitted with D-III level comforts.
Nor’easter hockey has become a key tenant for BIA, as it moves forward under new arena manager Craig King.
“To have a college program playing out of a rink,” said King, who previously managed Spartan Arena (formerly called the Rutland Regional Fieldhouse), home to D-III Castleton State, “it’s really a treat. Because it’s that much higher a level that the community can watch.”
The Nor’easters, whose first two season consisted of solely college club teams, have released their 2009-10 schedule, which will get underway with a Nov. 13 home date with Salve Regina.
Highlighting the slate ”“ made up largely of Friday nights and Saturday matinees ”“ are visits by perennial national powers Norwich (Nov. 20) and Trinity (Feb. 19), as well as local rivals Southern Maine (Dec. 8), Colby (Jan. 15), and Bowdoin (Jan. 16).
UNE will also visit eight time NCAA national champions Middlebury (Dec. 5).
“The schedule is great,” said Holt. “The league, from top to bottom, is superb. It’s going to be quite a challenge.”
To get fans into the building, UNE has embarked on a marketing campaign aimed at selling 100 season tickets.
Subscribers will receive guaranteed center ice seating, located beneath overhead heaters.
On another note, Holt confirmed the departure of assistant coach Jamie Gagnon, who is leaving because of family commitments.
Gagnon, the former Biddeford High boys coach, joined Holt’s staff last year after four successful years ”“ including two state championships ”“ behind the Tigers’ bench.
“I’m really disappointed about that,” said Holt. “Because he adds some real technical help, and it changes our dynamic. We would have scripted (Gagnon’s duties) any way he would have liked. But he’s an ‘all-in’ guy. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t end up coming back (to coaching), to some extent. I just hope it’s with us.”
Elsewhere, Boston College, featuring former Biddeford star defenseman Brian Dumoulin, has released its 2009-10 schedule..
Dumoulin, a Golden Eagles freshman, could see his first ever varsity action Oct. 17 at Vermont.
Visits to UNH (Nov. 6) and UMaine (Nov. 20-21) are also on the card, as well as the Fenway Park clash with Boston University (Jan. 8) and the traditional Beanpot Tournament (Feb. 1, 8).
— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.
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