Green Mountain to play two games in Lewiston

The Federal Hockey League's Green Mountain Rock Crushers are the first professional hockey team in Vermont's history. They are hoping they can plant the seeds for a natural rivalry with a potential franchise in Lewiston.

"Playing in Lewiston is kind of nice because we would be the closest rival team," said Rock Crushers GM Andrew Makal. "It could spark some serious buzz for us and for a (potential) new franchise (in Lewiston)."

It was announced last month that the Federal Hockey League, which is in it's second year of existence, would play 5 games in Lewiston.

"The biggest concern for us is that it did cost us a home game," said Makal. "The travel isn’t terrible, but missing out on a game’s worth of home revenue might be a tough pill to swallow down the road."

Still, it was an opportunity for the FHL to test the waters of the Lewiston pro hockey market, which is still stinging from the loss of the Lewiston Maineiacs over the summer.

"This is indeed a 'trial balloon', as the FHL would love to have an arena like (The Colisee) in our league," said Makal. "The question becomes how willing the market is to support minor professional hockey after having a major junior franchise. If done properly, and we are using a Canadian Hockey League model here in Vermont, I think it can be successful, but that depends on who runs it."

Makal is a realist, and feels if fans temper their expectations, the FHL could have a great run.

"As we don’t try to be something we’re not (compete with the level of play of the Pirates or the Maineiacs), I think it will be fun for the local fan base who are losing out on having a hockey tenant this season with the departure of the Q team," said Makal.

The Federal Hockey League consists of 7 teams. Will Lewiston turn out to be the eighth?

As the Maineiac turns: Reports of QMJHL turning down Lewiston

On today's episode of "As the Maineiacs Turn":

Dave Stewart tweeted "It's official - Lewiston's request to move to Summerside has been denied by the QMJHL board."

When asked for a response, Maineiacs Governor Bill Schurman replied via e-mail to Pine Tree Pucks.

"Nothing has changed, including what appears to be the lack of confidentiality by some.(it sure seems there is a connection toward Charlottetown). Said Schurman, "We continue to sell our season tickets (loyalty pricing ends tomorrow) and to plan for next year. If anything changes we'll let our people and community now first as promised."

Mike Haggett, the Maineiacs Media Relations Director, also tweeted: "There was no vote, no request to move filed, nothing. (Board of Governors) last met in (Montreal) week of awards and won't meet again until draft."

Ho-hum, just another day.

MAINEiacs on the brink, lose to St John. Down 3-0 in series

For the first time in the 2011 President's Cup Playoffs, the Lewiston MAINEiacs will be playing for their lives. On Tuesday night, the Saint John Sea Dogs scored four goals in the second period, picking up a 5-2 win, while building a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

After a scoreless first period, the Sea Dogs got on the board early in the second. While on the power play, Michael Kirkpatrick found Jonathan Huberdeau with a centering pass, which was finished by a tap-in at the side of the crease. Less than two minutes later, Saint John added to the lead, as Steven Anthony took a Lewiston turnover and fed Tomas Jurco, who deked his way to a goal. A little more than three minutes later, the Sea Dogs struck again, as Ryan Tesink finished off a cross-crease pass by Jonathan Huberdeau.

With 8:37 left in the middle frame, the MAINEiacs got their first goal. Kirill Kabanov sent a pass across the ice to Jess Tanguy, before getting it back, and knocking a shot in off of the right post, cutting the Saint John lead to two. However, the Sea Dogs had an answer, as Mike Thomas bounced a slow dribbling puck over the line with under two minutes remaining in the period.

Christophe Lalonde got Lewiston's second goal less than a minute into the third period on a rush with Pierre-Olivier Morin, but that was as close as the home team got, as the Sea Dogs iced their win on Stanislav Galiev's empty net marker.

Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault earned his third win of the series, making 28 saves on 30 shots for Saint John. Nicholas Champion allowed four goals on 22 shots in the defeat for Lewiston, before being replaced by Andrey Makarov, who was perfect on seven attempts.

The MAINEiacs and Sea Dogs will play game four of their series on Wednesday night at 7:00, with the game taking place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

-LEWISTON MAINEiacs-

Lewiston MAINEiacs finish off Montreal for series win

For the second round in a row, the Lewiston MAINEiacs finished off a series on home ice. Leading the best-of-seven series 3-2, the MAINEiacs received a three-point night from Stefan Fournier, heliping lift Lewiston past the Montreal Junior, 6-3. The MAINEiacs won the series 4-2, and will now face the Saint John Sea Dogs in round three.

The MAINEiacs got the scoring started less than three minutes into the first period. Michael Chaput fired a shot wide from the slot, with rebound bouncing out to Jess Tanguy along the left side of the goal line. Tanguy took the quick bounce, and lifted it into the net. The Junior pulled even less than five minutes later, when Louis Leblanc sniped a wrist shot in from the left circle on a pretty move. However, Lewiston had a quick answer, retaking the lead just 25 seconds later. Kirill Kabanov sent the puck toward the net, where it was deflected in by Pierre-Olivier Morin, giving the home team a 2-1 lead after one.

Both teams lit the lamp in the second, starting with Montreal. Nicolas Chouinard took the puck out of the left corner, and slipped a shot in toward goal, looking for a possible deflection. Instead, the puck found daylight, tying the game. Once again, the MAINEiacs responded. Jess Tanguy took a loose puck at his own blueline, rushed down the left side of the ice, and sent a pass into the crease. Stefan Fournier had his stick on the ice, redirecting the puck in for the go-ahead goal.

In the third period, Lewiston added to their lead, capitalizing on a second Junior turnover. Kirill Kabanov picked up the puck in center ice, sending Etienne Brodeur into the offensive zone. Brodeur tapped a pass over to Pierre-Olivier Morin, who faked to his forehand, then slid a backhand shot past a committed Jean-Francois Berube. Later in the stanza, the MAINEiacs netted a power play marker (their 11th of the series), as Stefan Fournier went around Berube, stuffing in a forehand attempt. Nicolas Chouinard pulled Montreal within two goals, but Michael Chaput's empty netter iced the win for the home team.

Nicholas Champion earned the win for the MAINEiacs, stopping 36 of the 39 shots he faced. Jean-Francois Berube took the loss for the Junior, allowing five goals on 37 shots.

The MAINEiacs have now advanced to round three, where they will meet up with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Games one and two will tentatively be in Saint John on Friday and Saturday, before tentatively scheduled games three and four in Lewiston on Tuesday and Wednesday.

-LEWISTON MAINEiacs-

MAINEiacs take 3-1 series lead over Montreal

On Wednesday night, the Lewiston MAINEiacs played their second straight home game in their best-of-seven series with the Montreal Junior, and defended their ice surface well. For the third game in a row, the score was tied entering the third period, and for the third consecutive game, the MAINEiacs took care of business. Lewiston lit the lamp three times in the final stanza, picking up a 4-1 win over the Junior in front of 1,580 fans at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

For the first time in the series, the MAINEiacs got on the board first. With Montreal defending a 5-on-3, Sam Carrier found Michael Chaput open at the bottom of the right circle. Because of Lewiston's great puck movement, Chaput had a mostly open net to shoot at, which he hit, putting the home team on top.

In the second period, the Junior evened the score, converting on a four-minute power play. David Rose took the puck at the top of the right circle, and rifled a slap shot high over Nicholas Champion's glove, sending the contest into the third period tied at one. A penalty was assessed to Lewiston on the play, putting them shorthanded by two men for a full two minutes. The penalty kill got the job done, keeping Montreal off of the board.

Early in the third period, Lewiston received a power play, as Trevor Parkes was whistled for hitting from behind. While on the man advantage, Michael Chaput set up Etienne Brodeur in the slot, who found Kirill Kabanov at the left side of the crease. In one quick motion, Kabanov swung Brodeur's pass into the net for the go-ahead goal. Four minutes later, Kabanov tallied again, wristing home a shot from the right circle that rang in off of the left side post. For the second time in the series, Antoine Houde-Caron capped the win with an empty net marker.

Nicholas Champion was brilliant in goal for the MAINEiacs, stopping 31 of the 32 shots he faced in the win. Jean-Francois Berube made 27 saves on 30 shots, taking the loss for the Junior.

-LEWISTON MAINEIACS-

DJ gets a little excited about a Maineiacs goal

Our friend DJ Abisalih, who you may remember from the Weekend Jab, has since graduated to be the voice of the Lewiston Maineiacs (who won tonight 4-1, by the way). This piece of video got forwarded to us tonight and is from the game over the weekend. Turn your speakers up for this. Way up. Right around the 25 second mark or so.

Maineiacs: Brodeur's late goal lifts Lewiston to 2-1 win, 2-1 series lead

The Lewiston MAINEiacs gave their fans something to remember on Tuesday night, as they played game three of their best-of-seven series against the Montreal Junior. With 5.2 seconds remaining, Etienne Brodeur potted the rebound of Olivier Dame-Malka's initial shot, lifting the roof of of the Androscoggin Bank Colisee, as the MAINEiacs picked up a 2-1 victory. Lewiston also took a 2-1 lead in the series, earning the win in front of 1,511 fans.

The game was scoreless for the first 36 minutes of play, before Montreal opened the scoring at the 16:02 mark of the second. Trevor Parkes took a pass from Philippe Lefebvre, skated down the left side, and scored on a backhand shot. 45 seconds later, the MAINEiacs responded, tying the score at one. Kirill Kabanov twirled around in the offensive zone, before finding Sam Carrier open in the slot. Carrier skated toward the goal, before ripping a wrist shot glove side on Jean-Francois Berube.

The score stayed tied until the dying seconds of regulation, when Lewiston took the lead for the first time in the game. Olivier Dame-Malka took a shot from the left point that got deflected in the slot. The deflected puck landed on Etienne Brodeur's tape, and Brodeur did the rest, lifting the game winning goal into the top of the cage.

Nicholas Champion was tremendous in goal for the MAINEiacs, stopping 28 of the 29 shots he faced in the win. Jean-Francois Berube took the loss for Montreal, making 17 saves on 19 shots.

The MAINEiacs and Junior will play game four in Lewiston on Wednesday night at 7:00.

MAINEiacs even up series against Montreal 1-1

Olivier Dame-Malka had an afternoon of historic proportions on Saturday, playing in front of his family and friends in game two of the Lewiston MAINEiacs' best-of-seven series against the Montreal Junior. Dame-Malka lit the lamp four times, helping his team to a 6-2 victory, evening the series at one game each.

Both teams found the twine in the first period with power play goals. The Junior opened the scoring at the 3:57 mark, when Charles-Olivier Roussel rang a shot in off of the crossbar from the side of the right circle. Later in the period, Lewiston pulled even, as Olivier Dame-Malka rifled in a slap shot from the right point.

In the second period, Montreal jumped out to a 2-1 lead. Philippe Lefebvre took a shot from the top of the right circle that got bounced around in the slot. The loose puck found Jeremy Gouchie's stick, and with an empty net in front of him, Gouchie deposited the marker. With 19 seconds remaining in the frame, Lewiston tied the score, as Sam Carrier set up Olivier Dame-Malka for a one-timer from the right point, which he drilled into the top part of the net.

With the score tied at two, the MAINEiacs exploded, netting four tallies in the final eight minutes of the contest. Olivier Dame-Malka fired home his third and fourth goals of the afternoon, using slap shots to find the twine on both. With 2:20 to go, Antoine Houde-Caron iced the win with an empty netter, before Pierre-Olivier Morin's power play goal was scored with ten seconds remaining. Dame-Malka assisted on Morin's tally, giving him a five-point game.

Nicholas Champion was splendid between the pipes for Lewiston, turning aside 32 of the 34 shots he faced in the win. Jean-Francois Berube allowed five goals on 32 shots in the loss.

The MAINEiacs and Junior will now head to Lewiston for games three and four of the series, with game three taking place at 7:00 on Tuesday night.

Maineiacs advance, dispatch Moncton

The Lewiston MAINEiacs put forth one of their better efforts of the playoffs on Friday night, finishing off their best-of-seven series against the Moncton Wildcats. After playing to a 1-1 tie in the first, the MAINEiacs lit the lamp twice in the second and three times in the third, exploding for a 6-1 victory. Lewiston won the series four games to one, earning their first playoff series win since 2007. The win was achieved in front of 1,828 fans.

Lewiston scored first in the opening period. Christophe Lalonde sent a shot on goal from the right side that was stopped by Brandon Thibeau. The rebound went to Alex Zafiris, who potted his second tally of the series. The MAINEiacs controlled most of the first period, but with 57 seconds to go, the Wildcats got on the board, as Devon MacAusland deposited a drop pass from Marek Hrivik for the equalizer.

In the second period, the MAINEiacs took the lead with the man advantage. Michael Chaput rang a shot in off of the post from the left circle for his third goal of the series, before Kirill Kabanov extended the lead with a wrist shot from the slot. Lewiston finished the series 5-for-22 on the power play, while also going 25-for-28 on the penalty kill.

Lewiston continued to have success in the third period, finding the twine three more times. Matt Bissonnette extended the lead to three, capitalizing on a turnover in the slot. Stefan Fournier netted the fifth goal for the MAINEiacs, finishing off a 2-on-1 rush with Ian Saab. Finally, the icing on the win was provided by Bryce Milson, who redirected Olivier Dame-Malka's point shot into the back of the cage, giving the contest a 6-1 final score.

Nicholas Champion earned the win, making 30 saves on 31 shots. The Lewiston backstop went 4-1 in the series, stopping 132 of the 142 shots he faced. Brandon Thibeau suffered the loss for Moncton, allowing six goals on 31 shots.

The MAINEiacs will now face the Montreal Junior in the second round of the playoffs, starting on Friday night at Verdun Auditorium. Lewiston's first home game of the series will take place on Tuesday night (April 12th) at 7:00.

--MAINEIACS COMMUNICATIONS--

MAINEiacs take 3 - 1 series lead

Etienne Brodeur netted two overtime winners during the regular season, but it was his third overtime winner that will have Lewiston fans buzzing. Brodeur broke a 3-3 tie at the 8:49 mark of overtime, sending the MAINEiacs to an overtime victory in game four of their series against the Moncton Wildcats in front of 3,810 fans at Moncton Coliseum.

The MAINEiacs started the scoring less than four minutes into the opening period. Kirill Kabanov dodged a hit in center ice, and continued down the right side into the offensive zone. After reaching the circle, Kabanov dropped a pass back to Pierre-Olivier Morin, who ripped in a wrist shot, beating Brandon Thibeau on the stick side. Later in the period, Lewiston added to the lead. Once again, Kabanov was involved, as he darted down the right side of the ice. After curling around the back of the cage, the former Wildcat went to a wraparound, sneaking the puck just inside of Thibeau's stick side post.

The Wildcats recorded up the lone goal in the second period, as Allain Saulnier picked up the loose puck off of a rebound in the left circle, beating Nicholas Champion over the blocker.

Early in the third period, Moncton evened the score at two, as Devon MacAusland deflected in Daniel Milan's shot from the right point. Lewiston responded, retaking the lead midway through the frame. Etienne Brodeur picked up the puck on the right side, skated to the middle of the ice, and scored blocker side on a wrist shot. However, the Wildcats answered, tying the score with 3:47 left, while playing with a two-man advantage. Alex Saulnier slid the puck through Champion's legs from the right circle, ultimately forcing overtime.

In the extra session, the MAINEiacs came on top, as a familiar face to the scoresheet got the job done. Etienne Brodeur cruised down the right side of the ice, and picked the top corner over Thibeau's glove, giving Lewiston a 4-3 victory in the game, as well as a 3-1 edge in the series.

Nicholas Champion earned the win, making 39 saves on 42 shots for the MAINEiacs. Brandon Thibeau took the loss, stopping 30 of the 34 shots he faced for Moncton.

The MAINEiacs and Wildcats will now head back to Lewiston for game five of their best-of-seven series, which takes place at 7:00 on Friday night.

-Lewiston MAINEiacs-

Maineiacs take a 2-1 series lead on Moncton

The Lewiston MAINEiacs are now in the lead in their best-of-seven first round playoff series, following Tuesday night's game against the Moncton Wildcats. Alex Zafiris broke a 2-2 tie late in the second period, and Michael Chaput added some insurance in the third, as Lewiston picked up a 4-2 win in front of 3,806 fans at Moncton Coliseum.

The first period of the contest saw more action than some full games do, as two goals, 30 shots, and eight power plays made their way onto the scoresheet. Moncton started the scoring in the first period, as Daniel Pettersson found the twine with a low wrist shot from the right wing wall. The MAINEiacs evened things up later in the period on a 5-on-3, as Sam Carrier rocketed home a one-timer from the left point.

Early in the second period, Lewiston took the lead for the first time in the game. Sam Carrier sent a wrist shot in from the right point that was deflected in the slot by Cameron Critchlow. The play was reviewed for a high stick by Critchlow, but the goal was confirmed, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Later in the period, the Wildcats tied the score, as Daniel Pettersson dashed down the left side, and beat Nicholas Champion with a shorthanded tally. However, the MAINEiacs were quick to respond, retaking the lead 30 seconds later. Cameron Critchlow and Sam Henley crashed the net hard, and Alex Zafiris ultimately whacked the puck in over the line, putting his side back on top.

Lewiston held onto that lead until the final few minutes of regulation, when they added some insurance. With 2:49 remaining, Michael Chaput deked out a defender in the slot, before sniping a wrist shot over Brandon Thibeau's glove, giving the game a 4-2 final score.

Nicholas Champion picked up the win for the MAINEiacs, making 24 saves on 26 shots. Brandon Thibeau took the loss for Moncton, stopping 34 of the 38 shots he faced.

The MAINEiacs and Wildcats will play game four of their best-of-seven series in Moncton on Wednesday night at 6:00. The teams will then return to Lewiston for a 7:30 face-off at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in game five on Friday night.

-MAINEIACS COMMUNICATIONS-

MAINEiacs even series with 2-1 win against Moncton

On Saturday night, the Lewiston MAINEiacs bounced back, tying their best-of-seven series with the Moncton Wildcats at one game a piece. It was a defensive type of game, as only three goals were scored, and a combined total of 45 shots made their way onto the net. In the end, Lewiston's pair of tallies made the difference in a 2-1 win in front of 1,729 fans at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

The MAINEiacs opened the scoring at the 5:59 mark of the first period. Dillon Fournier handed the puck to Michael Chaput, who started a rush down the right side of the ice. After cruising past a defender, Chaput cut to the middle, taking a wrist shot that flew past Brandon Thibeau's glove. Zach Shannon also assisted on Chaput's first playoff marker of 2011.

In the second period, Lewiston added to their lead. Olivier Dame-Malka skated the puck into the offensive zone, before teeing up a slap shot that rifled into the back of the cage. Jonathan Parisien and Michael Chaput both assisted on the tally, giving all three players two points in the series.

The Wildcats got a goal back with 1:23 remaining in the middle frame, as Alex Saulnier sent a pass across the ice to his brother Allain, who drilled a one-timer into the top of the net. Simon Jodoin also assisted on Allain Saulnier's second tally of the series.

Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the third period, as both defenses were sharp until the finish. When the final buzzer sounded, Lewiston had the 2-1 win.

Nicholas Champion picked up the win for the MAINEiacs, making 17 saves on 18 shots. Brandon Thibeau took the loss for Moncton, despite stopping 25 of the 27 shots he faced.

The MAINEiacs and Wildcats will now head to Moncton for games three and four of the series on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both games will begin at 6:00. Lewiston's next home game will be on Friday night at 7:30, when the two teams return to the United States for game five.

-LEWISTON MAINEiacs-

Maineiacs end regular season on winning note: Playoffs start Friday

For the second time in franchise history, the Lewiston MAINEiacs put together a 40-win season. The 40th win came in the regular season finale on Sunday afternoon, as Michael Chaput, Pierre-Olivier Morin, and Etienne Brodeur lit the lamp, while Andrey Makarov made 23 saves. Those efforts gave visiting Lewiston a 3-1 win over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in front of 3,294 fans at Centre Georges Vezina.

The MAINEiacs got the scoring started 8:51 into the opening period. Dillon Fournier set up the play, skating into the zone, before handing the puck to Matt Bissonnette. Bissonnette dropped a pass off to Michael Chaput, who wound up for a big slap shot from the left circle. A Chicoutimi defender blocked the shot with his stick, which slowed up the puck, confusing Christopher Gibson, as the puck trickled into the goal.

In the second period, the Sagueneens tied the score. Guillaume Asselin had his shot blocked in the left circle, but the blocked shot deflected into the right circle. The puck was sitting in good position for Steve Lebel, who pounced on it, firing a shot in past a lunging Andrey Makarov.

Lewiston regained their advantage 40 seconds into the third period. Kirill Kabanov intercepted a clearing attempt, deflecting a pass to Etienne Brodeur. Brodeur spotted Pierre-Olivier Morin cruising toward the net, so he slipped a pass his way, and Morin did the rest, netting his 15th goal of the season. With five minutes remaining, the MAINEiacs added an insurance goal, as Brodeur received an outlet feed from Sam Carrier, dashed down the right side, and ripped a wrist shot over Gibson's right shoulder. Brodeur's first goal of the season started the year for Lewiston, while his 53rd goal of the year was the team's final tally of the campaign, as the MAINEiacs picked up the 3-1 win.

Andrey Makarov earned the victory in goal for Lewiston, making 23 saves on 24 shots. Christopher Gibson took the loss for Chicoutimi, despite stopping 34 of the 37 shots he faced.

The MAINEiacs will begin the playoffs on Friday night at 7:30, when they play host to the Moncton Wildcats at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

--LEWISTON MAINEIACS--

Maineiacs fall to Gatineau

The wait to 50 is over for Etienne Brodeur. The 19-year old forward became the first Lewiston MAINEiac to reach the 50-goal plateau, as he found the back of the net with 6:26 left to go in the third period. Unfortunately, Tye McGinn and the Gatineau Olympiques got the upper hand, as McGinn's four-goal, five-point effort helped the visitors to an 8-5 victory in front of 2,701 fans at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

The game started in similar fashion to Friday's tilt between the two sides, as both teams lit the lamp once in the first period. Cody Linteau put the Olympiques on top, deflecting in a cross-crease pass by Tye McGinn at the 6:58 mark. With 5:47 remaining in the frame, Lewiston evened things up, as Ian Saab's wrist shot found its way in.

For the second straight game, the second period got crazy. After a goal by the MAINEiacs was disallowed, Gatineau received a power play, and needed just 24 seconds to cash in, as Tye McGinn wired in a shot from the right circle. 46 seconds later, the Olympiques scored again, as Philippe Halley knocked in a loose puck. Igor Levitsky's backhand tally made the score 4-1, before Lewiston went on a surge at the end of the second. Sam Carrier snapped home a pass from Etienne Brodeur for his tenth of the season, before Cameron Critchlow's redirection off of Sam Henley's pass brought the home team within one. The MAINEiacs' two goals came 38 seconds apart.

In the third period, the Olympiques added to their lead with two power play goals and an even strength goal, separated by just 2:37. Tye McGinn was credited with all three markers, giving him four on the game, to go along with one helper. The MAINEiacs weren't about to let Gatineau cruise to victory, as two tallies in 1:29 brought them within two. Sam Henley redirected Olivier Dame-Malka's point shot for Lewiston's fourth goal, before Etienne Brodeur batted his 50th goal of the season out of the air. Philippe Halley finished off the win for the Olympiques with an empty net tally.

Francois Lacerte picked up the win for Gatineau, stopping 23 of 28 shots. Andrey Makarov allowed seven goals on 21 shots, before being replaced by Nicholas Champion, who was perfect on five shots.

The MAINEiacs will finish the 2010-11 campaign with two road games in Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi on Friday and Sunday, before returning home to start the playoffs, tentatively on March 25th.

--MAINEIACS COMMUNICATIONS--

Report: Maineiacs to get acquainted with Summerside over the weekend

Just when you thought we were out, they pull us back in.

According to a report by the Journal-Pioneer's Mike Carlson, the Lewiston Maineiacs will be taking a tour of Summerside this weekend when they are in town to face Prince Edward Island.

“On Saturday they’re in Charlottetown and will play the game down there and on Saturday they’re going to come up and stay here,” said Summerside Chief Administrative Officer Terry Murphy. “This is a chance to get to expose the area and a chance to show them around and the rest of the people that are in the Q the good things we have here.”

(This is akin to telling your friend that you are taking her boyfriend out for dinner, letting him get to third base, and expecting her to be OK with it.)

This, of course, is going to lead to renewed speculation that the Maineiacs are headed out of town.

Bill Schurman, managing consultant and Governor of the Maineiacs says not to be alarmed by this.

"The last time we came through the maritimes we stopped in Amherst, visiting schools and their local arena, waving our flag and learning the culture," said Schurman. " It was well reported in local media there."

"I spent more than 25 years developing sports tourism in PEI and Summerside. I helped with thousands of volunteers, [and] attract to the Island many national and international events, Major Junior teams, College teams, AHL teams, and even NHL teams," continued Schurman. "Our captain (Cameron Critchlow) was born there, in fact four members of our organization were born there. The Island is 140 miles long. If we did not visit, it would be less than polite. We will be very proud to show our team where we come from and if we can help in anyway to promote the community while there, we will not hesitate."

"As the only US-based team in the Q, we are also visiting Province house, Charlottetown city hall, the Premier's office and hospitals in both Charlottetown and Summerside promoting our state," Schurman explained. "[It's about] the sport and adding character to our players. Can't stop people from thinking what they want to think, however this is what we normally do when on the road."

NHL Trade Deadline: Players with Maine ties involved

The NHL Trade deadline has come and gone, but players that have played here in the state of Maine were involved the proceedings. Among them:

Former UMaine Black Bear and Portland Pirate Dustin Penner was traded from Edmonton to the LA Kings. He will wear #25, his number at UMaine.

Former Lewiston Maineiac Michael Chaput was traded to Columbus along with Lisbon, Maine native and Black Bears alum Greg Moore, for Tom Sestito.

Boston Bruins acquire former Maineiac Chaput

The Bruins traded Providence tough guy Brian McGrattan and defenseman Sean Zimmerman to Anaheim on Sunday, and in exchange received forwards David Lalibert and Stefan Chaput, the latter an alumni of the Lewiston Maineiacs.

Chaput played for the Maineiacs from 2004 to 2008, and was on the 2007 team that won the President's Cup. He has 7 points in 27 games for the AHL's Syracuse Crunch this season.

MAINEiacs with another comeback win 5 - 2

For the second time this weekend, the Lewiston MAINEiacs fell behind early, before coming back to win a key divisional battle. The Chicoutimi Sagueneens took a 2-0 lead early in the second period, only to see the MAINEiacs score twice in the second and three times in the third period for a 5-2 victory in front of 1,941 fans at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

The Sagueneens opened the scoring in the latter stages of the first period. Guillaume Asselin skated in on a 2-on-1 rush, before blasting a slap shot through Nicholas Champion from the bottom of the right circle. 1:05 into the second period, Asselin struck again, wiring in a shot from an identical location.

Midway through the second period, the MAINEiacs got on the board, starting their comeback. Sam Henley attacked the offensive zone on a forecheck, freeing up the puck for Alex Zafiris. The rookie forward found Antoine Houde-Caron in the slot, who beat Francis Desrosiers high over the glove. With 1:56 left to go in the spirited middle frame, Lewiston knotted the score. Sam Carrier flipped the puck into the offensive zone, springing Stefan Fournier in alone. Fournier's backhander hit off of the post, off of Desrosiers, and in for the equalizer.

The home team continued to ride the momentum into the third period, taking their first lead of the afternoon at the 3:19 mark of the third period. Sam Carrier tossed the puck into the middle of the ice, allowing Cole Hawes to deflect a shot into the top part of the goal. Hawes' seventh tally of the season was also Lewiston's 1,000th in franchise history on home ice. The MAINEiacs maintained their one-goal lead until the final seven minutes of the game, when they eventually pulled away. Olivier Dame-Malka's wrist shot from the point put Lewiston ahead by two, before Matt Bissonnette converted off of a pass by Stefan Fournier for a 5-2 final score.

Nicholas Champion earned the win for the MAINEiacs, making 19 saves on 21 shots. Francis Desrosiers suffered the loss for Chicoutimi, stopping 28 of the 33 shots he faced.

The MAINEiacs will continue their homestand on Tuesday night at 7:00, when they play host to the Shawinigan Cataractes.

- Lewiston MAINEiacs -

The Maineiacs to Summerside? Not so fast

As someone who sat through a "will they stay or will they go" situation with the Portland Pirates last year, I was hesitant to jump on this one until someone from the team commented on it.

A source with knowledge in the Maineiacs organization, who didn't want to go on the record due to the sensitive nature of the situation, admits the team is looking for a new home, but stressed that:

"Nothing is in place at this time. Not for Summerside, not anywhere."

A tweet from a Canadian businessman yesterday and quotes from the Mayor of Charlottetown Clifford Lee sparked a firestorm, including one internet report that stated that a "prospective deal was in place". Not the case says the source.

"If Summerside came to us with that deal (rumored to be 1.5 mil), we would have already accepted it," stated the source. "Currently, we are talking to different cities, but nothing is finalized, and no paperwork for relocation has been filed with the league."

Currently, the Maineiacs attendance is the biggest Achilles heel. To keep the team in town, the team needs to make roughly 4 dollars more per person who comes through the gate than they currently are. It was also revealed that the organization has not made a profit in any of the seasons it has been in Lewiston, including the 2007 President's Cup year. It is projected the team will lose $600,000 this season, which is an actually an improvement of around $300,000 from last year.

There is a January 31st deadline with the QMJHL to file for relocation, and as Justin Pelletier from the Sun Journal points out, the league has yet to receive any official request for relocation.

There are also potential stumbling blocks in a move to Summerside, as the PEI Rocket is still in town and about 40 miles away, which many feel would defeat the purpose of a relocation, which would mean the QMJHL Board of Governors could deny the move. The league will not approve the team folding, either. It's either relocation or the team will stay put.

When asked why the Canadian businessman and the Mayor of Charlottetown have come out with this, the source says:

"I think the Mayor is trying to build up support to keep the PEI Rocket in town. For the other guy, I think he has an axe to grind for some reason."

So the final word right now? The Maineiacs are looking for a new home, but they haven't found one.

Yet.

Update: Dave Stewart from the Guardian tweeted that Summerside is denying the reports.

Maineiacs drop one to Montreal

The Lewiston Maineiacs lost a 4-3 lead in the third period and fell to Montreal 7-5 on Friday night. Details to come...