Maine Hockey Journal

More from Saturday’s win

This weekend the Alfond Arena was 84.9% and 85.7% to capacity. Tim Whitehead was impressed with the turnout.

“One of the big positives from our perspective was the crowd,” said Whitehead. “We didn’t know what type of crowd we would get this weekend with a tough season and a tough weekend against Union. I was really impressed and I know the team was too. The turnout both the community, students, and the season ticket holders that made a huge difference. It really gave us a home-ice advantage”

The coaches of Michigan State were also impressed according to Tim Whitehead.

“The coaches said afterword, WOW, great to see that atmosphere,” he stated. “They didn’t get great crowds last weekend for their home opener. It was a great experience for them too.”

“The building is well known for their crowd,” said Michigan State’s junior forward Corey Tropp after the game Friday night. “They had great fans tonight and we just had to weather the storm a little bit.”

David de Kastrozza steps up

With Tanner House being sideline with a knee injury, Tim Whitehead was very high on the senior’s play.

“He has played so well, especially with Tanner House out, de Kastrozza has really elevated his game,” Whitehouse mentioned. “He has given us that right-handed face-off guy that we so desperately need and the net front guy. He’s given us a big lift.”

The Toms River, New Jersey native has two goals in four games this season. Coming into the season, he had five assists in his career.

Looking towards next week

Maine opens the Hockey East portion of the schedule at UMass-Amherst on Friday night. The Minutemen defeated Boston University 3-2 on Friday night. They have three players with four points, Matt Irwin, Rocco Carzo, and James Marcou.

Junior netminder, Paul Dainton is 2-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.

Saturday, the Black Bears travel to Durham, New Hampshire to face the Wildcats. New Hampshire went 0-1-1 on the weekend against Miami of Ohio. They host Northeastern on Friday night. Bobby Butler and Blake Kessel each have five points.

Photo Credit: University of Maine/Hockey East

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