With only two regulars returning from last years team, one could expect a team to experience some early season growing pains, and after coming out of each of its first two weekends with only 2 of a possible 6 points, the 2005 version of the Maine Black Bears Roller Hockey has indeed had to deal with these setbacks.

            After coming from behind to tie a very talented Hofstra team on a Matt Couturier goal off a face-off with only 1.8 seconds remaining, Maine was hoping to seize some momentum and carry it into their next game against an improved Albany squad.  They however could not maintain that momentum and found themselves in an early 3 goal hole, in which despite controlling play for most of the third could not come back and fell 5-4.  The following day against league newcomer Stony Brook, a lack of intensity once again to start cost Maine as they fell down by one and could not find the equalizer until their were 8 seconds remaining in the game, their second goal of the weekend with their own goalie pulled, and second tie.

            Following the 0-1-2 weekend in Glastonbury , the Black Bears traveled to Rahway , NJ for a weekend full of divisional matchups.  Things started off well as Maine downed rival Vermont 5-1, their most consistent play through an entire game all season long.  Once again however Maine came out flat footed in their second game of the weekend and fell in an early hole.  After top forward Carey Gustanski and Nicholas Ditto were ejected following a scrum in front of their own net, the intensity and skating seemed to pick up, but being down by too many it was too little too late, as Maine had to jump into the play to try and create offense and got caught on a few odd man rushes in the third and fell 8-4.  In the final game of the weekend Maine faced off with a fast skating Brockport team.  After starting strong things fell apart in the third period.  After getting outscored 3-0 in the third and losing the small battles, that cost them three shorthanded goals, Maine fell to 1-2 on the weekend, 1-3-2 overall, with a 6-2 loss.

            Things are not all bad though, luckily for Maine they have two months to right the ship and be ready to go in January back in Glastonbury .  Coach Jayson Morrison says, ?Now that the new guys have some experience on the sportcourt there are no excuses for next semester, everyone knows what to expect and the effort we need to put in to be successful.  During this time off we will get in better shape, work on our systems, and most importantly learn to play and win as a team.?  Help could be on its way also as next semester will mark the arrival of a few faces, old and new.  Details about those additions to come later.