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Here’s a scary thought: a University of Maine men’s hockey lineup without rock-solid blue liner and Minnesota native Mike Lundin somewhere amongst the crowd of names.
Thankfully for the Black Bears, that’s one nightmare they have rarely had to experience over the past four years. During his time with UMaine, Lundin has managed to register a 90-game playing streak and touch the ice more than 150 times. As if he needed to do more, Lundin has played in all of the Black Bears’ 39 games this season, clearly establishing himself as the team’s backbone in one terribly turbulent UMaine season. That’s if he wasn’t already comfortably slotted into that role.
“He’s our leader back there and he’s been our leader the last two years,” said UMaine forward Keith Johnson. “He’s just so steady. He never takes penalties. Never gets hurt. He is a kid you can rely on.”
In the end though, Lundin truly even-keel demeanor has aided the Black Bears in their return trip to the Frozen Four this year. Without Lundin, the team would be playing golf at home instead of preparing to take down Michigan State in a matter of hours.
“I definitely don’t look at myself as being a focal point, but I like getting picked to go out there in the last minute and the first minute,” said Lundin. “I love playing; the more ice time I get the better. That’s just something I thrive off it.”
For Lundin, the road to the Black Bears’ leadership crown and this year’s Frozen Four, alongside fellow captains Michel Leveille and Josh Soares, has been one marked by surprise.
“I never, ever thought I would play hockey out east,” said Lundin. “I always wanted to play hockey in the WCHA. That’s all I ever knew about. I had heard a little bit about Maine and New Hampshire and the tradition. But then I came out on my visit here and saw what it was like and the tradition and there was no way I was going to commit to a school that didn’t have this success or ability to win a national championship every year.”
Lundin arrived at UMaine in late August of 2004, weeks before the squad officially began practicing. Arriving with nothing but the hope of a few quality starts and a chance at gaining experience, Lundin was overcome with delight when he learned he would not just gain experience but factor largely into the teams run to the 2004 title game that season.
“It was weird, I didn’t have high expectations at all,” said Lundin. “I was coming out of high school and all the colleges besides Maine were telling me that I needed to play juniors first.”
The departure of Francis Nault, who wasn’t granted a fifth year of eligibility for the season, however, opened the door for Lundin.
“I was coming in and looking to get a year under my belt and maybe play five to ten games – maybe get some experience and build on it,” said Lundin. “However, I was lucky enough to get a chance to play. There was just a perfect opening for me and I fit in well with it.”
The chance to play defense and lead the Black Bears is one opportunity that Lundin grabbed onto quickly and without any second guessing.
“I think because of the way I played my freshman year I got more opportunities then maybe I even deserved my sophomore and junior year,” said Lundin. “I was just trying to lead and be a steady defenseman back there for the team.
While helping to lead the team to three Frozen Fours, Lundin has adhered himself quite nicely to his teammates.
“He’s just a laid-back, really easygoing guy that can gel with anybody,” said junior defenseman Travis Ramsey. “He definitely gets along with everybody on the team.”
This naturally relaxed style has also helped Lundin become a respected teacher amongst his fellow Black Bears.
“One thing that I’ve really tried to work and he has shown me is how to break out the puck,” said Ramsey. “He has so much confidence in that area. If things aren’t looking well, he will cut back and try making sure there is an open seam he can pass to it.”
“He’s a quiet leader. The leadership he brings is amazing. You can always count on a guy like that.”
According to Lundin, any credit he receives comes because of how the coaches dealt with him and allowed him to grow as a player.
“I love when the coaches have confidence in you and give you all the chances – that’s how I thrive,” said Lundin. “I really appreciate all the support and confidence from the coaches. I’ve had that all four years here and that’s really helped me progress.”
Lundin believes it is this confidence and respect that has been the biggest difference maker in his career in Orono.
“Look what it got me. I’ve been to the Frozen Four three out of four years,” said Lundin. “I couldn’t have picked any other schools; that would’ve given me better opportunities.”
Lundin’s impact on the Black Bears doesn’t stop there. When the assistant captain from Apple Valley, Minnesota, steps down juniors Bret Tyler and Ramsey will be able to take the next leap because of what he taught them.
“Mike was just the complete package,” said Ramsey. “He really is a good example for both us.”
“I think with guys like Ramsey and Tyler, who have been to two Frozen Fours and have the experience, they will have no trouble picking up the leadership,” said Lundin. “I think if they just continue to do what they are doing, they are coming along real well.”
Although the Mike Lundin story is nearly complete, he is eager to remind anyone that there is still one chapter left to add to his tale.
“We’ve played out every possibility but winning the whole thing,” said Lundin. “We lost in the first round of the Frozen Four last year, my freshman year we lost in the final, so the only other possibility is winning the championship.”
Bangor Daily News