Maineiacs photo credit: Ron Morin Photography Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Sunday, September 12, 2010
Billet families important to MAINEiacs By Gail L. Tarr In the hockey world, billeting refers to the system in which players from other communities are housed with local families throughout the duration of their season in town. In Lewiston, it’s like having an addition to your family you never forget. Shane and Michelle Manson are billet parents for the Lewiston Maineiacs and the latest addition to their family is Cole Hawes, a 17-year -old left wing from Tangier, NS. The Mansons are one of several billet families who house players during the hockey season. The first season the Maineiacs played in Lewiston, they attended a few games; by the second year they had purchased flex tickets and they started billeting in the third season. Jonathan Paquet was the first player they housed. “Jo,” as they affectionately call him, spoke no English.” He spoke only
French, so for the first two months we used a French-English dictionary to communicate. Today, he speaks f luent English, “Michelle said proudly. Jonathan went on to play for the Terrabonne Cobras of the QJAHL and then the Val d’Or Foreurs. The Mansons still keep in touch. “We see him once a year and talk regularly,” she added. They keep in regular contact with all of the players they have billeted and have become close to their parents as well. Through the years, their home has welcomed Michael Ward, Marco Desveaux, Tommy Dery, Mathieu Brisbois and the latest addition, Cole Hawes. Michelle’s p arent s , R e g gie an d M ar il y n Desmarais are also billets, housing the likes of Lucas Labelle, Dany Columbe and Sam Henley. The Mansons have always been huge hockey fans. Shane has three
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younger brothers and they all played hockey. In fact, Shane and Michelle first met at a hockey game. Three years after getting married and having their first son, Patrick, they started talking about becoming billets. Once Patrick reached 15 months old, they began housing Paquet. Patrick remembered fondly what it was like living with a hockey player for the first time. “I liked playing with him, he liked hockey a lot, “ he said. Patrick now has a younger brother, Ryan.
Left to right: Cole Hawes, Patrick, Michelle holding son Ryan and Shane Manson.
Memories are something the Mansons treasure and, throughout the years, they have made plenty with their players. They have taken many trips to Canada to watch the Maineiacs play on the road, but they have also visited their players’ families. “We went to visit Michael Ward’s mom, Lena, in Shippigan, New Brunswick,” Michelle said. Lena took them on a tour of Michael’s home town, where they saw moose, the local arena and got a private tour of the local aquarium. “The aquarium was closed, but she gave us a special tour.” Many friendships have been made with parents of players, even the ones they didn’t house. “ The Beatons (former Maineiac Alex Beaton’s parents) come to mind. Whenever they were in town, they always recognized us and were very nice. We became friends with the Paquette’s (Danick Paquette) and the Giliati’s (Stefano Giliati) as well. All very nice people.” Billeting takes some adjusting, especially if your player does not speak English, but as for food, they
are not hard to please. Since Maine is geographically close to Canada and it has such a strong French influence, many of the foods the Mansons already eat were welcomed by the “boys from Canada.” Before every game, Michelle serves up a pasta dish. The only exception to this was with Marco. “He would eat a pound of salmon with Montreal seasoning on it, whether he dressed for the game or not. It was his pregame meal, “Michelle said with a smile. The “Quebec boys” are not big seafood lovers and the “New Brunswick/Nova Scotia boys” are the opposite, but one thing they all have in common is their love of Nutella. Holidays are a special time for this billet family, celebrating with the players and sharing traditions. Thank sgiving is celebrated in October in Canada, so when the American Thanksgiving rolls around in November, the players are served a traditional dinner. “After dinner, we go to my mother’s house for dessert, as a family,” said Michelle. “We celebrate Christmas the week before the boys go on holiday break with their families. Holidays are
Left to right Patrick, Cole and Ryan.
awesome! We really treat them as if they are one of our own. On New Years, we have a Ragu, which is a Canadian tradition and they even do an Easter egg hunt with us in the spring.” Balancing the family, according to Michelle, is not that difficult, even though her children are very young. “It’s like having an older child in the house. We just try to instill respect for the house and community in the kids we billet. The community respects the team and we want them to set a good example for our kids. They follow the same rules as any Americans their age would. The team itself is also good about respecting the rules of the house and backs up the billet families. It all comes down to respect.” While Shane jokingly said the reason he billets “is for my wife,” Patrick summed it up best. When he was asked why he liked living with a Maineiac he enthusiastically said, “Because they are the best hockey players in the world!” For more information on billeting, contact the Lewiston Maineiacs at 3333267.
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Doris Makas, MAINEiacs matriarch
MAINEiacs Education Foundation By Paul Spellman
By Sarah Alto Doris Makas has yet to decide on her favorite Maineiacs player, now that Eric Bonawitz is playing for the Woodstock Slammers, but she has already been to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee to scout this year’s team. Doris, as she plainly likes to be known, is the eldest Maineiacs season ticket holder. She also has a commanding shot at being the eldest season ticket holder in both the QMJHL and the entire CHL. After all, she did celebrate her 100th birthday during the offseason. Dressing in warm layers that include her Maineiacs sweatshirt, Doris sits with her daughter, Elaine Makas, directly behind the home bench. From there she checks on players between shifts and occasionally beats the referees to a call. In one instance, Doris saw former defenseman Chad Denny commit a penalty, and before the ref had blown his whistle, had time to lament “Oh! Chad shouldn’t have done that!” Elaine explains, “She just loved Chad Denny.” Doris is quick to set the record straight regarding her hockey sense. She never played hockey while growing up on Cape Cod. She was instead a basketball player and proudly, captain of her team. Her love of sport transferred naturally to Maineiacs games, where Doris enjoys getting out in the community, spending time with her daughter, and saying hello to the many people greeting her at the rink. When Elaine leaves her seat, Doris always has someone — a fan or player — sitting in it by the time she comes back. Last s e as o n , g o a l te n d e r J o r d a n Kennedy took time to talk about a mutual tie to Cape Breton. During preseason this year, Eric Bonawitz remembered Doris’ connection to him as a fellow redhead by ruffling his hair and waving hello. Doris denies that being a natural redhead equates to being a rowdy fan. She cheers during the game, and while she doesn’t mind the
physical aspects of hockey, she will not be found banging the glass behind the bench.
The Lewiston MAINEiacs organization is firmly committed to providing our players a quality education during their playing days in Lewiston as well as their post-playing days, wherever that may be.
And about Maineiacs head coach JF Houle? Well, his hair isn’t red, but on the day Doris and JF met, “His hair stood up straight, like he’d just gotten out of the pool,” and she quickly compliments the spiky hairstyle, adding, “I like it that way.” Doris is glad to have her season tickets again this year and brushes off her age and celebrity status. “Somehow it just happens,” she quips. As for season predictions from this true fanatic, Doris enthusiastically asserts, “They’re going to win! It’s a good team!”
The Lewiston MAINEiacs Edu c atio n Foun datio n was founded in the spring of 2004 as a non-profit organization. Nineteen of our former players have been accepted, and some currently enrolled, at U.S. colleges and Canadian universities such as McGill, Dalhousie, and the
University of Ottawa, to name a few. Most continue their playing careers while attending school. The mission of the Foundation is to provide present and past MAINEiacs players the best education programs while they are here and financial support in the form of scholarships for those players who wish to pursue academic objectives after their major junior careers are over. The Foundation has committed over a half-million dollars in educational expenses and commit ted
Education
page 7 ‰
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MAINEIACS
3
Maineiacs Owners
Mark Just
Paul Spellman
Wendell Young
2010-2011 MAINEiacs player bios
Coaching Staff
Jean-Francois Houle
Darren Rumble
Steve Finn
Reg Bourcier
Mark Just
Jean-Francois Houle
Mark Just enters his eighth season as the majority owner of the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Mark was born in Chicago, Illinois, where he also attended high school at Sullivan High School. After graduating, Just attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History – Education. Mark has been a part of the QMJHL since 1993, when he was a minority owner of the Halifax Mooseheads until 1998. At that point, he became the majority owner of the Sherbrooke Castors, leading the team to Lewiston in 2003. Mark and his wife Lois live in Chicago, have two children (Bret & Sloan), and have five grandchildren (Evan, Jenna, Talia, Owen, Stella).
Jean-Francois Houle enters his first full season as the head coach of the Lewiston MAINEiacs, after holding that role for the final 33 games of the 2009-10 season. JF was born in Charlesbourgh, Quebec to Rejean and Michelin Houle. He also has a brother (Sylvain) and a sister (Annie). After attending Northwood Prep School, Houle spent four years at Clarkson University, graduating with a degree in business. He then went on to play six seasons of professional hockey. After that, Houle joined the coaching ranks, serving as an assistant coach at Clarkson University from 2003-09. JF currently lives with his wife Mia, daughter Emma, and son Noah.
Paul Spellman Paul Spellman enters his first season as a part owner of the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Paul was born in Dover, New Hampshire to John Paul and Catherine Spellman. After graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Spellman attended the University of New Hampshire, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Paul joins the staff after being a season ticket holder with the MAINEiacs for __ years. He and his wife Patricia live in Auburn as well as near Sarasota FL.
Wendell Young Wendell Young enters his eighth season as a minority owner of the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Wendell was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was drafted into the NHL by the Vancouver Canucks with the 73rd overall pick in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. After three seasons with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, Young turned pro, eventually reaching the NHL in 1985-86 with the Canucks. During his career, he also spent time with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Tampa Bay at the NHL level, compiling a record of 59-86-12 in 187 games. After retiring, Young spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Chicago Wolves, and is about to embark on his first season as the team’s general manager. Wendell is married to his wife Paula, and the two have two sons (Matt & Jack), and one daughter (Gabrielle).
Darren Rumble Darren Rumble enters his first season as an assistant coach for the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Darren was born in Barrie, Ontario to Bruce and Beverely Rumble. At age 18, Rumble entered the NHL Entry Draft, and was chosen 20th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. In 1989-90, he began his professional career with the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Darren amassed 36 points in 193 NHL games, while also contributing with 468 points in 552 games in the AHL and IHL. Rumble is married to his wife Jennifer, and the two have three sons – Chris, Brandon, and Graeson, as well as one daughter, Alexa.
Steve Finn Steve Finn enters his first season as an assistant coach for the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Steve was born in Montreal, Quebec to Normand and Corine Finn, and has one brother (Terry) and one sister (Kathleen). At age 18, Finn entered the NHL Entry Draft, and was chosen 57th overall by the Quebec Nordiques. In 1985-86, he began his NHL career, which spanned parts of 12 seasons. In 725 career games, Steve had 34 goals, 78 assists, 112 points, and 1724 penalty minutes. Finn is married to his wife Nathalie, and the two have had three sons – Cedric, Samuel, and Jolin.
Reg Bourcier Reg Bourcier enters his 3rd season as the goaltending coach for the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Reg was born in Kenora, Ontario to Henry and Irene Bourcier, and has a sister named Nicole. Hockey was in Bourcier’s blood from the start, as he began his junior career with the Kitchener Rangers. He ultimately went on to play for three different teams in the ECHL, before finishing his career with the University of New Brunswick. Reg is married to his wife Angela, and the two have a daughter named Claire.
#1 Andrey Makarov Goaltender BIRTHDATE: April 20, 1993 WT: 165 HT: 6’2” CATCHES: Left HOMETOWN: Kazan, Russia
#13 Brayden Wood Defense BIRTHDATE: June 28, 1994 WT: 158 HT: 5’8” SHOOTS: Right HOMETOWN: Oromocto, NB, Canada
#27 Cameron Critchlow Left Wing BIRTHDATE: December 18, 1991 WT: 189 HT: 5’10” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Fredericton, NB, Canada
#2 Dillon Fournier Defense BIRTHDATE: June 15, 1994 WT: 160 HT: 6’1” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Dorval, QC, Canada
#15 Samuel Henley Left Wing BIRTHDATE: July 25, 1993 WT: 175 HT: 6’3” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Val-d’Or, QC, Canada
#31 Nicholas Champion Goaltender BIRTHDATE: May 2, 1990 WT: 156 HT: 5’11” CATCHES: Left HOMETOWN: Labrador City, NL, Canada
#3 Zachary Evans-Renaud Defense BIRTHDATE: February 23, 1992 WT: 180 HT: 5’10” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
#17 Cole Hawes Center BIRTHDATE: WT: 170 HT: 5’10” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Halifax, NS, Canada
#4 Ian Saab Defense BIRTHDATE: February 8, 1992 WT: 164 HT: 6’1” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Halifax, NS, Canada
#18 Alex Zafiris Center BIRTHDATE: September 7, 1992 WT: 179 HT: 5’11” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Halifax, NS, Canada
#6 Samuel Finn Defense BIRTHDATE: January 31, 1991 WT: 196 HT: 5’11” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Quebec, QC, Canada
#19 Pierre-Olivier Morin Left Wing BIRTHDATE: April 23, 1991 WT: 170 HT: 6’0” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada
#8 Marc-Antoine Rousseau Left Wing BIRTHDATE: September 30, 1992 WT: 173 HT: 5’10” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Beauce, QC, Canada
#21 Francis Beauvillier Center BIRTHDATE: October 22, 1993 WT: 165 HT: 6’0” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Sorel-Tracy, QC, Canada
#9 Christophe Lalonde Left Wing BIRTHDATE: January 12, 1994 WT: 177 HT: 5’8” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Mirabel, QC, Canada
#22 Stefan Fournier Right Wing BIRTHDATE: April 30, 1992 WT: 192 HT: 6’3” SHOOTS: Right HOMETOWN: Dorval, QC, Canada
#10 Jonah Coonishish-Coon Left Wing BIRTHDATE: October 12, 1993 WT: 220 HT: 6’4” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Chibougamau, QC, Canada
#23 Etienne Brodeur Left Wing BIRTHDATE: March 10, 1991 WT: 183 HT: 5’9” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Varennes, QC, Canada
#12 Zachary Shannon Defense BIRTHDATE: October 12, 1992 WT: 180 HT: 5’9” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Fredericton, NB, Canada
#26 Michael Chaput Center BIRTHDATE: April 9, 1992 WT: 188 HT: 6’1” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Montreal, QC, Canada
#41 Jordan Kennedy Goaltender BIRTHDATE: February 17, 1993 WT: 195 HT: 6’2” CATCHES: Left HOMETOWN: Sydney, NS, Canada #44 Olivier Dame-Malka Defense BIRTHDATE: May 30, 1990 WT: 185 HT: 5’10” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Montreal, QC, Canada #55 Samuel Carrier Defense BIRTHDATE: April 28, 1992 WT: 186 HT: 6’1” SHOOTS: Right HOMETOWN: Varennes, QC, Canada #57 Antoine Houde-Caron Left Wing BIRTHDATE: January 16, 1990 WT: 180 HT: 5’11” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Brossard, QC, Canada #68 Jess Tanguy Center BIRTHDATE: April 7, 1992 WT: 150 HT: 6’1” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Laval, QC, Canada
#1 Andrey Makarov
# 2 Dillon Fournier
#3 Zachary Evans-Renaud
# 4 Ian Saab
#6 Samuel Finn
#13 Brayden Wood
#15 Samuel Henley
#17 Cole Hawes
#18 Alex Zafiris
#19 PierreOlivierMorin
#27 Cameron Critchlow
#31 Nicholas Champion
#41 Jordan Kennedy
#44 Olivier Dame-Malka
#8 Marc-Antoine #9 Chrostophe # 10 Jonah Rousseau Lalonde Coonishish-Coon
#55 Samuel Carrier
Our M A I N E i a c s Family Welcomes Yours
#21 Francis Beauvillier
#57 Antoine Houde-Caron
#22 Stefan Fournier
#68 Jess Tanguay
#23 Etienne Brodeur
#12 Zachary Shannon
#26 Michael Chaput
Cover photos and headshots by Ron Morin #73 Matthew Photography Bissonnette
Bill Schurman Roger Shannon Tim Schurman
Rob Mainville
#73 Matthew Bissonnette Center BIRTHDATE: January 16, 1992 WT: 185 HT: 6’4” SHOOTS: Left HOMETOWN: Beaconsfield, QC, Canada
Mike Haggett
Alex Reed
DJ Abisalih
Sean Bushway
Kellie Morris
Ron Morin
Jim Anderschat Josh Cousineau Roger LaChapelle George O’Connell
me. of a good ti n ig s re u s t. It’s the of Bud Ligh te s ta t h g ri the just at time with re g a e m ti y Make an RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS®
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www.federaldistributors.com Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, September 12, 2010
5
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League By DJ Abisalih The Lewiston MAINEiacs play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), which is a piece of an even bigger pie, known as the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The CHL has 59 teams, which are broken into three different leagues — the QMJHL, Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Western Hockey League (WHL). Each team consists of players ranging from 16-20 years old, with each squad being limited to two 20-yearolds and two European players. When the three leagues complete their regular seasons, they each begin a postseason tournament like the one you would see in leagues such as the NHL and NBA. In the QMJHL, the league champion receives the President’s Cup. However, the road doesn’t end there. The three league champions join a host city, where they compete to be Canada’s national champion. The winner of that tournament takes home the Memorial Cup — the
most prestigious trophy in junior hockey. Approximately one month after the Memorial Cup, the NHL Draft takes place, where players from the CHL join others from around the globe, hoping to hear their names called by an NHL franchise. This past summer, 107 of the 210 picks came from the CHL, including the first eight selections of the draft. The CHL has produced the first overall pick in four consecutive years, and that selection has come out of the QMJHL twice in the last decade — Marc-Andre Fleury in 2003 and Sidney Crosby in 2005. Fleury and Crosby both laced up their skates at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, with Fleury playing for Cape Breton, and Crosby playing for Rimouski. In 2009, Fleury and Crosby played together for the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins — a team loaded with former
Junior
page 8 ‰
Got tickets?
Goodness, time’s a-wastin’ By Kris Kucera The Maineiacs have numerous money-saving, convenient, and benefits-filled options for you and yours this season. All prices include box office fees and taxes.
Single-Game Tickets: Get the best available seats in the house, or even ask the The Androscoggin Colisee Box Office for your favorite seat or section — if it’s available, you’ll get what you want. Prices: Adults, $14.50; Students/Seniors (60+), $11.50; Youth (7-12), $8.50; Children (6 & under), $1.00; Infants (no seat, lap only), Free.
practice session and lockerroom tour, first option of playoff tickets, chances to meet and be photographed with the team, and a score of other phat extras. (Check out www.lewistonhockey.com for a complete list of season-ticketholder benefits.) Prices: Adult, $454.92; Student/Senior, $349.86; Youth, $244.80.
10 - G a m e M i n i - S e a s o n Tickets: Same as above, but for 10 home games of your choice instead of the full season. You get the same seat — guaranteed — to boot. Prices: Adult, $135; Student/ Senior, $105; Youth, $75.
Season Tickets: Every home
34-Game Flex Package: Okay,
game, all 34 of ‘em! Choose your seat, and it’s yours for the whole season — guaranteed. Save more than a dollar a game compared to the single-game price. Be privy to exclusive, very cool perks, including special deals in the team store, discounts at participating corporate sponsors’ businesses, an invitation for a closed-door
you know you want to go to the games, and bring friends, family, or the kids along with you on a whim, but simply can’t do every game, courtesy of the Rat Race, The Powers That Be, and The Man. Enter the 34-Game Flex Package — 34 tickets for 34 admissions to Maineiacs games. Bring a friend for 17 home games this year, or 33 clients at once. The combinations are endless. The choice is yours. (And you get all the perks of a season-ticket holder — along with the savings!) Prices: Adult, $454.92; Student/Senior, $349.86; Youth, $244.80.
games instead.Prices: Adult, $135; Student/Senior, $105; Youth, $75.
Weekender Family Package: For an entertaining weekend night out with the family, choose our Weekender Family Package, good for four tickets (2 adults & 2 students or youth) and four vouchers valid for any 20-oz. soda and a bag of popcorn. Hmmm . . . Maineiacs or the movies? MAINEIACS!!! Price: $44.
Game-Day MAINEiac: Limited supply each game, game-day only, bleacher sections 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23. MUST be purchased on game day from box office open until one hour before game time. Life on the edge, babe. Prices: Students, $6.99; Youth, $4.99.
Fu n - ra i s e r T i c ke t s: T h e MAINEiacs offer many options for groups to use MAINEiacs tickets to raise much needed funds. Call the MAINEiacs office at 204-333-3627 for more details..... For all ticket sales, please contact the Androscoggin Bank Colisee Ticket Office at 783-2009, ext. 525, or visit them online at www. thecolisee.com or at the ABC Ticket Office during business hours, M-F; 9am-5pm.
10 - Game Flex Package: You get the drift. Just like the 34-Game Flex Pack, but for 10
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MAINEIACS
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, September 12, 2010
Maineiacs alumni, proud past By Rob Kennedy Maineiacs Alumni Over the past eight years, playing for the Lewis ton Maineiacs has become a great way for talented young athletes to launch their dreams of playing professional hockey. So far, four Maineiacs alumni have skated in the highest level of the game, the National Hockey League. The first was Alex Picard who broke in with Columbus in November, 2005. Picard was followed by Jonathan Bernier of the Los Angeles, who made his debut in 2007, and is expected to spend most of this coming season in the NHL. T his s e as o n , t wo f o r m e r Maineiacs will wear the “Bluenote” for St. Louis. Forward David Perron enters his third season with the Blues, and is just two goals shy of his 50th career tally. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak was recently traded to St. Louis after a remarkable playoff run with his former team, the
Montreal Canadiens, with whom he reached the Eastern Conference Finals. In addition, several other Maineiacs alumni are prepared to lace ‘em up in the AHL or ECHL, the top t wo minor leagues. Stefan Chaput and Jonathan Paiement will be teammates for the Charlotte Checkers, the Carolina Hurricanes top farm club. Kevin Marshall (Adirondack) and forward Marc-Andre Cliche (Manchester) will surely join them when the AHL begins play in October. Other players, such as Stefano Giliati, Eric Castonguay, Brandon Roach, Mathieu Aubin, and Chad Denny spent time in both the AHL and ECHL last season. All told, 20 former Maineiacs have reached one of the top 3 professional leagues in North America.
Alumni
page 8 ‰
Community ambassadors By Sarah Alto Maineiacs players have made office appearances in past seasons, but ac tive team involvement i n co m m u n i t y s e t t i n g s w i l l be a renewed focus this year. Management consultant and governor, Bill Schurman, says, “The Maineiacs are proud to represent the citizens of LA and surrounding areas. We respect and appreciate the support we receive, and we look forward to doing whatever we can to show how much we care for those who call this home.” When vandals recently desecrated gravesites at Riverside Cemetery, the Maineiacs arrived on a rainy afternoon, with transportation and gear graciously provided by local businesses, to help right the damage done. Veteran forward Cam Critchlow says, “Being away from home, you want to make this a home away from home and do the same thing you would do at home.” He insists a special bond is made when players go out of their way to help others and says, “(Me) and the boys
love to connect with people and make them feel good about their surroundings and the community.” In addition to playing hockey and staying atop academic work, Maineiacs players will be out in the community. They are eager to be visible beyond the names and numbers on the ice, and as Critchlow best puts the motivation, “It is important to me to be active in the community, because you want to feel part of the community.” Conversations have been ongoing with civic leaders, educators, and area organizations to match community needs with players’ talents and time. Players intend to be in schools, hospitals, residential homes, and churches. Partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs, sports teams, art programs, and cultural groups are also planned. Player-community interactions will center on messages of making healthy choices, developing positive leadership skills, and promoting literacy. Schurman excitedly points
L o n g - t i m e a r e a e d u c a t o r, administrator, and current coach of the Bates College women’s hockey team, Roger Lachapelle, has been the team’s Educational Coordinator since the team’s inception in Lewiston. “We realize a relatively small percentage of our players will go on to play professional hockey,” said Lachapelle. “Mark (Just) has always felt strongly that his players get a solid education while here and provide them financial assistance in the means of scholarships when they are ready to make the commitment to higher education. We have one of the best educational programs in the league; parents realize it, and it has actually turned out to be a pretty
out, “We have a proud past, and working together helps us all look forward to a bright future together.” Critchlow observes the Maineiacs’ importance to this area, remarking, “It is amazing how hockey can bring a community together. We want to make this place a better place and have fun doing it, and we hope we can do that this season!” Any group interested in the community outreach program should email info@lewistonhockey. com or call (207) 333-FANS (3267).
“L.A.’s BEST SEAT FOR SPORTS”
Education from page 3 scholarships to existing and former players, a worthwhile investment in the young men who have spent so much time playing hockey and being part of the Lewiston-Auburn community.
Jose Leiva/Sun Journal
Lewiston Maineiacs players help lift grave markers at Riverside Cemetery in Lewiston.
good recruiting tool.” Pr ov i d i n g a n e d u c at i o n to players from various provinces and countries does present its challenges. Each Canadian province has its own specific requirements for its students’ curriculum. For players who don’t speak or understand English when they arrive in Lewiston, special adult education English courses are offered.
one’s choice,” please consider this worthy cause. For more information on how you can support the Foundation, financially or otherwise, please contact me at pspellman@lewistonhockey.com See you at the games!
The Education Foundation is funded in part by personal and corporate donations, 50/50 raffles, chuck-a-puck contests, player’s game -worn jersey auc tions, and other contests and events. Contributions may also be made by designating your United Way contributions to the “Lewiston MAINEiacs Education Foundation.” When considering what charity to direct your donations for, those specifying the “charity of
Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, September 12, 2010
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Training Staff Brian Morrison Brian Morrison enters his f irst season with the Lewiston M A I N E i a c s ’ organization, serving as the team’s athletic trainer. Brian was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to Larry and Susan Morrison, and has two sisters named Nicole and Lisa. Morrison attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training. He has worked for two teams in the
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QMJHL, performing his collegiate field work with the Moncton Wildcats in 2008, before serving as the athletic trainer for the Halifax Mooseheads from 2008-10. Brian and his wife Brittany live in Lewiston.
Matt Flaherty Matt Flaherty enters his third season with the Lewiston M A I N E i a c s ’ organization, after serving as an intern in 2007-08, as well as the assistant equipment manager in 200910. Matt was born in Portland, Maine to John and Donna Flaherty, and has a sister named Courtney. Flaherty attended Portland High School, playing varsity hockey while he was
members of the CHL. Defenseman Kristopher Letang was a member of the Val-d’Or Foreurs, who lost in the 2007 President’s Cup Final to the Lewiston MAINEiacs. Forward Maxime Talbot played his junior hockey with the Gatineau Olympiques, winning the scoring title in Lewiston’s inaugural season of 2003-04. Talbot scored both goals for Pittsburgh in the seventh and deciding game of that Stanley
But what about the hometown L e w i s t o n M A I N E i a c s? T h e MAINEiacs have certainly made noise at the NHL Draft, producing at least one selection in each of their first seven years in Lewiston. However, the QM JHL’s lone American franchise took it one step further, producing a first round pick in four straight years from 2004-07. Lewiston’s highest selection was Alexandre Picard, who was taken eighth overall
Not every Maineiacs player will make the NHL, but that doesn’t mean they won’t give us great moments here in Lewiston.
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MAINEIACS
Eric Michaud enters his fourth season with the Lewiston M A I N E i a c s ’ organization, after holding a variety of roles in the previous three. Eric was born in Lewiston, Maine to Eddy and Louise Michaud, and has two sisters (Amanda & Monica), as well as a dog (Rocky). Michaud is currently a junior at Lewiston High School, where he plays soccer and lacrosse. Recently, he was an assistant
Cup Final.
from page 6
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Eric Michaud
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there. Upon graduation, he also worked for the Portland Pirates in various roles, including assistant equipment manager in 2008-09. Matt currently lives in Lewiston.
What Maineiacs fan can forget Sheldon Wenzel, either for his aggressive play on the ice or for his huge playoff goals, including his overtime game-winner to eliminate Shawinigan in 2005. Or Mathieu Aubin’s season in 2006,
coach for a bantam team that won the state championship.
Kevin Shrader Kevin Shrader enters his second season with the Lewiston M A I N E i a c s ’ organization, serving as an assistant on the team’s training staff. Kevin was born in Lewiston, Maine to Bill and Monique Shrader, and has a sister named Ellen. Prior to joining the staff, Shrader spent two seasons as a player for the Lewiston Junior MAINEiacs. Kevin currently lives in Lewiston, and is a junior at Lewiston High School.
by Columbus in 2004. He was followed by Alex Bourret, who was picked 16th overall by Atlanta in 2005, Jonathan Bernier, who was selected 11th overall by Los Angeles in 2006, and David Perron, who heard his name called 26th by St. Louis in 2007. Last season, was Bernier named the top goaltender in the American Hockey League. Meanwhile, Perron has 48 goals, 76 assists, and 124 points in 225 career NHL games.
have two NHL draft picks on their roster. Forward Michael Chaput was picked 89th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, and defenseman Samuel Carrier was selec ted by the Washington Capitals with the 176th overall pick. Moncton’s Brandon Gormley was the highest pick out of the QMJHL, going 13th overall to the Phoenix Coyotes. You can catch him and 21 other picks from the 2010 NHL Draft in action at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee this winter!
This season, the MAINEiac s
where he scored a franchise record 47 goals. Or the grin on Maxime Mathieu’s face after goading an opponent into another penalty.
created unforgettable moments over the past eight seasons. This year’s lineup is tailor-made to create more memories once the puck is dropped.
The Maineiacs franchise has always had character players who have
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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, September 12, 2010