Middle-school friend George Maalouf heard the news he said he didn’t wonder why Cushing was detained, but rather was shocked that the police would take him away in a time of grief.

“I can’t believe the cops would take him because when your parents die you want to be around people who are supportive and help you out with things. We felt bad. We wanted to be there for him,” Maalouf said.

Cushing’s friends shared feelings of disbelief.

“I was worried for Matt in the beginning, but when I picked up the paper it turned to more disappointment. I’m sad for what his life is going to be like now. Mostly, disappointed that he let it go that far,” Jeremy Baker, a friend of Cushing, said.

“When I heard the news about him I was in utter disbelief. It was that Friday after it happened and I was at DTAV with my friends who also knew him and it literally ruined the entire night and the following days,” James MacKay, a friend of Cushing said. “I don’t know what came over him to do something like that, but like all the people that knew him are saying it was completely out of character. I had heard he had some possible anger issues, but nothing to this.” MacKay said Cushing had about 20 friends who he could have gone to for help.

Maalouf said Cushing was grieving over his dog at the time of the crime.

“His dog had been hit by a car probably a month earlier. We were helping him out with that when we heard the news that his parents and brother had died,” Maalouf said. “How many bad things can happen to this kid? It seems like one thing after another recently had been going in the negative direction. Our hearts went out to him, I tried calling him and didn’t get any answer. I wanted to be with him and make sure he was okay.”

Among his friends are mixed feelings about why this happened.

“Even him admitting it, talking to people back home and friends and family, even the adults in the area, as much as he said that he did it they still don’t believe it. Nobody back home even remotely thinks that he did it because it is so out of line, so out of character of Matt,” Maalouf said. “If the words didn’t come out of his mouth there would be nothing to prevent me from believing he didn’t do it. The fact that he said it you kind of have to believe him, at the same time you don’t want to.”

Cushing had his step-brother’s name tattooed across his stomach.

“That’s what makes me believe that it wasn’t him in the first place: how much he absolutely adored and loved his mother and stepbrother,” Maalouf said. “They loved each other to no end. It doesn’t make sense. How can somebody have so much love, so much respect for somebody- they said the whole reason was for the backpacking trip- it doesn’t add up. One plus one is not equaling two in this case.”

Some news sources claimed that Cushing may have been motivated by a canceled trip to Europe. According to Maalouf, Cushing planned to backpack throughout Europe this semester and therefore did not sign up for classes. When he found out that he could not go on the trip he thought it was too late to sign up for classes so he decided to stay in Old Town and work to save money.

“He was a little upset about it but he understood. The understanding was there. He was able to see both sides of the story. Which- from the way news people portray it to sound- that wasn’t the case. From a friend standpoint, from people who knew him, it just didn’t seem to be that big of an issue,” Maalouf said about the trip.

According to his friends, Cushing’s dreams included traveling.

“He wanted to teach and he was saving money to make a trip back to Ghana. The trip to Europe as mentioned wasn’t a big thing. He wanted to do it but it wasn’t at the top of his list,” Maalouf said.

Baker took a world food supply class with Cushing. Baker said Cushing always had something to add. “He had been to Africa, he had had malaria on three occasions”

“He loved to travel. He went to Africa for a year,” Maalouf said. “Where he went he saw the poverty and how things really were over there. That was one thing he really enjoyed was looking back and trying to help them as much as possible.”

Cushing’s friends said the alleged crime surprises them because of the type of person he is.

“To describe Matt I would have to say charismatic. He was always joking around with a smile on his face and he would light up the room with his jokes. I always found him to be a pretty funny kid,” MacKay said.

“During Christmastime he would buy you a present but wouldn’t want you to buy him a present in return. He was the kid who went above and beyond. He was just like one of us. On Saturday nights: late night trips to Denny’s. He was just like any other person,” Maalouf said. “He was always trying to make everybody smile. One of my roommates didn’t come out very often and he was always the one to call him and say ‘let’s go do something, let’s go have fun’ He was always upbeat and trying to get people to have fun and go along with him. He liked to be around people. He was a very friendly guy and I’m just so blown away by what happened.”

“He has been our best friend since day one and he was always the shinning star around us. He has been a regular at my roommates’ and my house almost daily this year,” Shawn Coulombe said. “He was always in a good mood, and always had a smile on his face. He constantly went out of his way to make sure those around him were happy and always laughing.”

“I never really saw Matt angry,” Baker said. “I never saw him have an argument with anybody.”

“He just wasn’t an angry kid. I swear to God, he’s never been mad at me. I see him three times a week, we’re always looking to have a good time” Maalouf said. “He just wasn’t that kind of person. That’s why it’s tough to take it all in.”

His friends said that Cushing gave no warning signs.

“I tried to look back and see if there was anything different, just the way he acted before- a year ago- two years ago- is still the same way he was acting, just like any of my other friends act. It was a complete 180 instantly. It was completely mind-boggling to hear.” Maalouf spent time with Cushing the weekend before the murders.

“The last time I talked to him was a week before the events, I was joking with him about the Chicago Bulls, his favorite NBA team, and how they weren’t doing well. I couldn’t notice any warning sign or change in him at all. He seemed just like his old self,” MacKay said.

Now, Cushing’s friends are unable to speak with him and are having a hard time dealing with the situation.

“It has been so long since I’ve seen him. Now I have this picture of him and I’ve got the old picture of him and they are in pretty stark contrast,” Baker said. “Some people get a bad run of cards. They do things that you wouldn’t normally think they’d do.”

“It was like someone ripping your heart out. I guess the sensation is not that he could potentially go to jail for life, but it’s more like he passed away because you’re never going to see him again. He’s never going to have the friend influence of the people you hang out with everyday. It’s hard to feel like you lost a friend. it feels like you lost a friend. That’s where the emotions come from,” Maalouf said. “Usually I’m the kid who falls asleep in a minute but when I go to bed at night I just think for an hour. How? Could he have done this? What is the real story?”

Spring break comes at a time when most students are exhausted and ready for a good time. While this break allows students to get re-energized, it can also be dangerous.

“There is nothing more exciting than spring break, but it’s really important to be safe and be thoughtful about what you are going to be doing,” said Dean of Students, Robert Dana.

Florida is a common destination for students during break. What many college students don’t know is that Florida ranks fifth in the United States for identity theft.

The state’s high rank is attributed to its popularity as a tourist state. All identity thieves need is a victim’s name, social security number and date of birth. Once they obtain these they can open credit cards and take loans out in the victim’s name and start ruining his or her credit.

Bankrate.com suggests that travelers not carry extra credit cards or important identity documents except when needed. They also suggest examining credit card statements before paying them and when dining, keep track of how the credit or debit card is run through.

Identity theft isn’t the only danger to students on break. Alcohol consumption and binge drinking are frequently risky activities students engage in. Often, spring break packages have alcoholic drinks included in the price, which easily lures students in. Vacation packages for Mexico are quick to point out that the drinking age there is eighteen.

Partying, drugs and sex are ways students on vacation choose to express their freedom. All too often, alcohol is the source of this freedom. It tends to erase fear and make one feel as if nothing is holding them back. Alcohol is often referred to as ‘social lubrication’. Though the biggest factor in spring break over-consumption is that many college students do not know how to limit themselves.

“For most people, spring break is a wonderful time, lots of fun with friends but for a few, it becomes a bit more, especially when you add alcohol into the picture,” said Professor of Human Sexuality and Family Relations, Sandy Caron. “In addition, the anonymity one experiences over spring break by being in a new place, where no one knows you, opens up opportunities for you to try things you might not consider within the confines of the small university, where you have to see these people the next weekend.”

A study done by the Journal of American College Health found the average man reported drinking 18 drinks per day and the average women reported drinking 10 drinks a day on spring break. Of the 442 women and 341 men surveyed, more than 50 percent of men and 40 percent of women drank until they became sick or passed out at least once.

Another study of college students on spring break showed that of the men who consumed more than 5 drinks and women who consumed more than 4 drinks, 49.7 percent engaged in unplanned sex. Of those, 52.3 percent engaged in unprotected sex.

Cassie Putnam, a fourth-year nutrition major isn’t traveling this year but went to Panama City, Florida last year for spring break. “The best part of my trip last year was the warm weather and being able to lay on the beach, I didn’t care as much about going out at night.”

Two other UMaine students will be heading to New York City for their spring break. Third-year engineering major Brian Hayes will be attending a concert while in the big apple. “I have never been to New York so I am pretty excited to experience the city.”

Mellissa Kierman, a first-year biology major, is heading to New York City to visit her boyfriend. “We don’t have too much planned, just going to relax.”

Chris Fournier, second-year mechanical engineering major will be venturing to Port Charlotte, Florida. “I plan to enjoy the warm weather and the break in general.”

Dana said to remember to have fun while being safe and not taking unnecessary risks. “Moderation in everything will result in an enjoyable break.”

I once knew this girl – I’ll call her Jill – who was constantly looking to anyone and everyone to contradict her all-consuming insecurities and self-doubts.

She would say things like, “I’m getting fat,” “I’m failing algebra,” “I don’t have any money” and “I never have a boyfriend.”

I suppose typical and kind responses would be along the lines of, “Of course not! You’re wonderful, brilliant and beautiful just the way you are . I’ll pay for lunch!”

My advice for Jill: Go to the gym, pick up a textbook and stop buying $6 White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccinos at Starbucks every afternoon. If you do all this, you won’t have time for a boyfriend.

Honestly, how many ego-boosting conversations does a person need before he or she is content? I think it can go on forever. Putting yourself down and relentlessly fishing for compliments isn’t going to fix your insecurities.

I don’t want to come across as a coldhearted, unsympathetic girl on a soapbox – I can definitely sympathize with almost anyone. It’s the blatant disregard for common sense that has my knickers in a twist. So I have some advice:

If you are unhappy with your weight, start working out and refrain from drinking diet soda with a cheese pizza for lunch. It’s fine once in a while, but if you’re truly unhappy with your outward appearance, then stop eating like you have the metabolism of a nine-year-old.

We also have a brand-new $25-million recreation facility on campus for you to utilize – you’re paying for it, so jump on a treadmill. Your weight problem isn’t going to be fixed by whining to your friend over a shared freight of french fries.

If you’re failing school, head to the library. Yes, some are naturally blessed with “the gift,” and we’re all envious of them. Yet, you’re unhappy with your grades. Try getting a tutor, form study groups, bring a book to the gym – anything. Sitting around and complaining won’t bring your C to an A.

Everyone knows someone who incessantly complains about his or her finances. I’m not a financial guru or anything, but I can pick up when a person’s debt is his or her own fault. If you’re low on cash, think before you spend. Abstain from purchasing the newest Grand Theft Auto PS3 game or that cute new Coach purse. Have a credit card? Unless mom and dad are footing the bill, I’d hold off on swiping it at your next mall visit. Think before you spend, and don’t splurge.

If you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, and you classify yourself as a self-loather, you’re the problem. Stop raining on everyone’s parade. If you’re happy and content with yourself, I’m sure someone will date you.

If a perpetual self-loather has you by the horns, throw back! Put an end to the pity parties and move the relationship to a more mutually beneficial one.

To all self-loathers: I guarantee your success and hard work towards bettering yourself will build your ego. Don’t stay unhappy and rely on others to change your self perceptions – we’re getting sick of it.

Dana Bulba is a fourth-year journalism major and is annoyed by lazy, idle little loathers.

Mr. Aghamoosa made numerous valid points in his op-ed article on that first lecture in the series, and I do not wish to dispute specific points – many of which I agree with. Ironically, I believe Dr. Fairbanks would also agree with many of Mr. Aghamoosa’s points were he able to hold an extended dialogue with him; unfortunately, he is not. I do believe, however, that some points in Mr. Aghamoosa’s article could lead readers who did not attend the lecture to misperceive what Dr. Fairbanks said, as well as the nature of the new program.

First, Dr. Fairbanks was not invited to speak on U.S.-Iranian relations, but was asked about them during the question period. Having had insufficient time to explore the complex history of U.S.-Iranian relations, I’m sure Dr. Fairbanks would agree with Mr. Aghamoosa’s point that his remarks were not placed in a sufficiently broad historical context. He did agree, however, that America’s support of the Shah, which would include, I believe, the installation of the Shah into power, was a mistake.

Second, your readers should know that the remark, “I don’t know how placing women’s underwear on someone’s head counts as torture,” was made in the context of a comparison with the way captives have sometimes been treated when they have fallen into the hands of certain terrorist groups: beheadings, dismemberment and bodies being burned and dragged through the streets before cheering crowds.

We are all appalled, I’m sure, at the deplorable acts committed at Abu Ghraib, but we should note that there were no cheering crowds in America. Rather, serious investigations into these atrocities ensued, and even the presumptive Republican nominee for president has condemned the acts or any use of torture by the U.S. This was the point, I believe, that Dr. Fairbanks was making.

I am gratified that Mr. Aghamoosa expressed his “respect” for “the right of Professor Michael Palmer and the anonymous donor to bring different viewpoints to campus,” but this statement could lead readers to draw mistaken inferences. Let me clarify.

The anonymous donor who established the program has had no input whatsoever concerning whom I have chosen to invite to speak on campus, nor have I been asked to answer to anyone. It should not be assumed that either I, or the anonymous donor – who is as anonymous to me as to your readers – agree with all the positions of any of the lecturers invited to speak this semester. In fact, if tentative arrangements are confirmed, the last two speakers in April shall be two authors who have published recent books on the political philosophy of Benjamin Franklin, and who radically disagree with each other.

Finally, lest readers think this new program is ideologically slanted, a confirmed upcoming speaker is a registered Democrat who expressed to me his difficulties in trying to decide whether to cast his ballot for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the Illinois primary. In short, this is not some kind of “right-wing conservative” lecture series I am directing, but one which I hope will encourage respectful dialogue on campus about controversial public issues – the kind of respectful dialogue in which Mr. Aghamoosa and I have engaged.

Michael Palmer is a professor of political science at UMaine and director of the Program in Western Civilization and American Liberty.

In the same issue, a swim meet photo on page 17 was incorrectly attributed to Rebekah Rhodes. The photo was taken by Andrew Prindle.

As the author of the article as well as the editor-in-chief of this newspaper, I feel that some mistakes were made in our coverage; mistakes that were borne out of solid intentions, but which resulted in an unbalanced, incomplete picture of Cushing.

This piece isn’t being written at anyone’s request. In fact, it is being written against the wishes of some of The Maine Campus editorial staff. They have a right: Nothing we did in covering the story was unethical or illegal.

It did contain errors. Cushing is 21 years old, not 22. He’s not a dropout: he took a semester off. The Facebook quote referring to him being a “rageholic” was not a glimpse into his mind. It’s a joke: probably a Simpson’s reference.

I don’t know if Matthew Cushing had a temper. I’ve never met him. What I do know is, from September 2005 until Feb. 22, 2008, he was indistinguishable from the rest of us.

He was a student, taking classes, studying for exams, probably wishing the weather might get better. He likely spent time complaining about commons food and tagging pictures of his friends on Facebook. He may have sat where you are sitting right now. He may have been the kid in your seminar class holding the door open as you were leaving. And yet, he is the confessed killer of his own mother, his step-father and his 15-year-old half-brother.

It is undoubtedly one of the most horrific acts imaginable. And while we reported the facts of what happened, as revealed by police and court documents, as accurately as we could, we did not get to the human aspect of this tragedy: that someone just like us has done the unthinkable.

This crime affects his friends, his teachers, the people who knew him. I could not fit their tragedy into the simple facts of what Matthew Cushing did. The newspaper should have asked. It didn’t.

The result is the kind of article we often see in the media: a simplified, black-and-white demonization of “bad people,” usually paired with the easy, fluffy treatment of the “good people.” Nothing can excuse the brutal act that Cushing committed; but everywhere you look, people are reduced to monsters or superstars, and it takes us further away from what it means to be complicated and human.

Mistakes in judgement were made. We wanted to show a photo of Cushing as a human being and former student instead of showing the mug shot of a confessed killer. In that process, we used a photo a friend had taken without the individual’s permission or even the courtesy of a heads up. This, understandably, caused the person tremendous stress and anguish. We wanted to show Cushing as a real person, but we should have had more respect to the complexity of what would have happened to the people on the other side of that camera.

I do not want to appear as if I am apologizing for Cushing. I do not want to cough up the old trope that he is misunderstood, or to offer him pity or forgiveness. What I want to say is this: My coverage, and the coverage this newspaper generated, did not get our readers any closer to understanding how a fellow student could do something as destructive as what he has done, or how unimaginable this tragedy is to the people who know him. On that count, I failed. The media – in this case, me – has a responsibility to make something this overwhelming into something we can begin to comprehend. I didn’t.

We have held off on additional stories for this issue because we want to get a complete, accurate picture. We will be posting stories online over break, and will have additional coverage in print after break. I hope it will stand on its own as a way of clarifying the human dimension of this story.

Eryk Salvaggio is the editor in chief of The Maine Campus.

After Robert Pattenaude, chancellor of the University of Maine System (UMS), originally predicted a six percent tuition increase for next year, the specter of a potential 14 percent increase has now been raised.

This comes after the UMS requested a budget increase of $8 million to maintain its current level of services. Facing new predictions of a $190 million budget deficit, Gov. John Baldacci has inquired as to the impacts of a $7.1 million cut in funding for the UMS.

Chancelor Pattenaude predicted a 14 percent tuition increase and the elimination of 150 to 250 staff positions system-wide as a result. He predicted this would result in close to 8,000 students not graduating on time due to the necessary courses not being available.

In light of a report issued by a UMaine associate professor of economics last fall, we consider these cuts ill- advised. The professor, Todd Gabe, estimated that each graduating class from UMaine contributes $515.5 million to the economy over their careers.

This could be a frustrating position for students, and one they do not have direct control over. The control lies in the hands of the Maine state legislature and Gov. Baldacci. State Rep. Emily Cain (D-Orono) opposes this budget cut. We encourage students to pressure other representatives and senators from their hometowns, as well as Gov. Baldacci, to ensure that they follow suit.

The University of Maine Black Bears enter the game on a four-game skid and will attempt to defeat the newly crowned regular-season champion. The first time these two teams matched up, the Black Bears came away with a close 77-74 victory.

In the first meeting, UMaine was lead by Phil Tchekane Bofia with 21 points, Brian Andre with 14 points and Junior Bernal with 12 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Kaimondre Owes chipped in with 12 points while Mark Socoby put up 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Black Bears will be without Bernal for the fifth straight game due to a foot injury.

UMBC enters the game on an eight-game win streak – their longest streak since winning 11 straight in the 1998-99 season. The Retrievers are 20-7 overall and secured their first America East regular season title with a 71-68 victory over the University of New Hampshire on Feb. 23.

UMBC’s top four scorers rank in the top 13 in the conference. In the loss to UMaine, Brian Hodges lead the way with 21 points, Ray Barbosa added 19 points and Darryl Proctor and Cavell Johnson pitched in with 15 points and 10 points respectively.

The Black Bears know that in order to come out on top, they are going to have to contain UMBC’s scorers and control the boards.

“We need to focus on defense, stop the ball, box out, and get rebounds,” Owes said.

Maine out-rebounded UMBC 36-27 in the first matchup. The Black Bears committed 16 turnovers to the Retriever’s four in UMaine’s victory on Jan. 12.

“We need to take care of the ball and play more physical in order to win,” fourth-year Andre said. He said the Black Bears are going to have to cut down on the turnovers if they are going to be successful.

UMaine only has one game remaining – on March 2 they will travel to Vermont before going into the conference tournament.

“A win would be huge,” Owes said. “It would get confidence up in ourselves and in some of the players who have started to play more due to injuries.”

The Black Bears are 7-20 going into the game but credit the fans as part of why they stay positive.

“When things aren’t going so well, it’s nice to have support,” Andre said.

“It shows fans appreciate us, even though we come up short,” Owes said.

The game against UMBC marks the final men’s home game of the season, and the university will honor seniors Brian Andre and walk-on Pat Woodbrey. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. tonight.

Marley played two shows, the first in Orono at 8:00 p.m. and then at 10:00 p.m. after shooting driving and ice-fishing scenes from a pilot he’s filming in Saco, Maine.

After a brief introduction from Student Body President Steve Moran, opener John Cail warmed up the crowd telling jokes about his domineering mother and urban myths about masturbation – adding, in reference to the myth, that he didn’t care if he turned into a “Ray Charles Sasquatch.” He later discussed the disturbing/sensual dichotomy experienced while watching “Talk Sex with Sue Johanson,” the popular show on the Oxygen network with an aged sex therapist.

“John [Cail] has a hard job,” Marley said while Cail delivered his set to the audience during the second show. “But the crowd is good.”

When Marley finally unwound himself from the stage curtains and made his way to center stage, the audience was sufficiently lubed-up and ready for a good time.

Marley supplied a mix of new material and old favorites in his act, discussing the perils of Maine winters and losing the “clicker” on a regular basis. He also – early in his set – referred to his wife as “The Princess Dale Earnhardt” while trying to extricate her car from a snow bank. What was surprisingly absent from Marley’s show was an excess of Maine humor. “I try not to at college campuses,” Marley said about the content of his act. He mentioned that people come from all over the country. “That was a set I’d perform anywhere in the country.”

One bit many may have recognized was the “Drinking in the Woods” routine – where Marley explains what it’s like to enjoy a Maine pit party. “It’s like my ‘Freebird,’” Marley said of the joke. He called the routine “a little anti-climactic,” in the sense that the crowd almost mimes along in time with Marley, anticipating the moves he makes.

Marley didn’t think highly of the intelligence needed to find the comedic value in his own act. “If you don’t get me . you’re pretty dumb,” Marley said. He mentioned how he found a list of jokes he performed when he was younger, playing mainly college campuses. “I think college kids are smarter now,” Marley said, pointing out that, had he delivered the jokes from his early career, he would have bombed.

Although most know that Marley grew up in Maine, few realize he graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a degree in community health education. “I got out of college thinking I was going to teach,” Marley said.

He related a tale of when he was 24 years old, just beginning his comedy career, still a senior at UMaine Farmington and playing a show at the Bear’s Den here in Orono. The man in charge of security at the time – nearly twenty years ago now – wouldn’t let Marley in the doors, even after Marley explained he was the act. The bouncer later apologized, “I thought you were one of those college kids.” Marley noted at the time, “I was one of those college kids.”

Marley had a bit of advice for aspiring comedians: “You have to be funny,” Marley said. “You can’t teach it . it would be kind of like teaching someone how to be short . You need to write your jokes down and keep trying them . go get your ass kicked . you have to be hungry,” Marley said of persevering in the comedy field, even in the face of ridicule. Marley suggested staying away from being a shtick comedian, “You need to be a real person [on stage] or people won’t get it,” adding that it takes awhile to find yourself. He also expressed the importance of staying fresh and relevant when he said, “I’m always writing.”

Marley explained what it’s like to have a good show. He pointed out how important it is to be spontaneous. He compared it to a night out with friends. When it’s planned for weeks in advance, it never compares to the buildup; when friends “pick you up after work at 10, and you haven’t showered, and they throw you a beer . it turns out to be the best night ever,” pointing out that he switched out one bit he had planned to perform in favor of another after feeling out the audience.

Marley – as well as his opener, Cail – had successful shows Tuesday night that pleased approximately 1,000 people. The shows were not without their setbacks. In the early show during the iPod giveaway, the person sitting in the selected seat failed to find the ticket to claim their free iPod. Apparently, the hidden winning note was tucked away a bit too discretely. Marley made it a point to educate everyone on the whereabouts of the ticket in the second show, but it still took several minutes and a detailed description of the seat number for the occupant to find their spoils.

After the winner got a bit tetchy when ribbed by Marley for her slow finding speed, Marley – jokingly – told her to stop being a “bitch” adding, “I just gave you a free iPod.” Add to this mix the fact that one gent decided five minutes before the end of Marley’s second set would be a good time to lose his lunch – perhaps from laughing too hard – onto several girls sitting in front of him, it made for an eventful evening of ups and downs.

Saturday night’s matchup did not start off as Black Bear fans had hoped. UMass struck first a little more than one minute into the first period when Mike Kostka fired a quick shot from the right face-off circle, beating UMaine goaltender Ben Bishop. Justin Braun and Cory Quick picked up assists on the power play goal.

UMaine responded less than three minutes later. Working on the power play, Tanner House swung the puck to Billy Ryan, who found Travis Ramsey at the point. The captain ripped a shot from the blue line and beat the UMass goaltender for his third goal of the season. The period ended with UMaine holding a slim shot advantage of 7-5.

The second period passed with a few balanced attacks from each side, and neither team could break the deadlock. As the third period got underway, the Minutemen caught UMaine on its heels and scored just 37 seconds in. On a two-on-one attack, Chris Davis fed P.J. Fenton who beat Bishop stick-side to put UMass in front 2-1.

UMaine struggled to come from behind this season, but their determination paid off with 6:10 remaining in the game. After Rob Bellamy dumped the puck behind the net, UMass goalie Paul Dainton tried to gain control but could not. Andrew Sweetland picked it up on the opposite side of the net and found Keif Orsini out in front. He put the puck past Dainton to knot the game up once again.

The Black Bears completed the comeback with 3:47 left in the game. As UMaine possessed the puck in the UMass zone, Matt Duffy received it and had some space by the blue line. His shot proved true, ripping into the back of the net for the game-winning goal. UMaine held off the extra skater of UMass to preserve the 3-2 victory. Ben Bishop tallied 24 saves.

On Sunday afternoon, UMaine players knew they had to keep the momentum rolling in order to pick up another victory. They started off well, opening up the scoring on a power play 8:40 into the game. Keenan Hopson pushed the puck to Travis Ramsey, who fired a shot toward the goal. Chris Hahn was able to get a stick blade on the puck in front of the net, tipping it past Dainton for the 1-0 lead. With just under two minutes left in the period, Andrew Sweetland added a goal off an assist from Rob Bellamy.

The Minutemen were finally onboard midway through the second period. After receiving the puck from Justin Braun, P.J. Fenton found Chris Davis in front of the net. He managed a shot past Bishop to make the score 2-1.

UMaine quickly responded with just over seven minutes remaining, at the tail end of a power play. Off of a great look from Bret Tyler, Wes Clark broke away and put a move on the UMass goalie, beating him to increase the lead to 3-1.

Sweetland added another goal to the stat sheet with just under two minutes left as he took a pass from Hopson and beat the goalie five-hole on a breakaway. Despite being greatly outshot in the period 19-5, it was UMaine who capitalized on their opportunities.

Going 4-1 into the third period, UMaine appeared to back off the pressure a bit. It was just the break UMass needed and they thrived on the change in style. The Minutemen nabbed two goals before the period was five minutes old, one from P.J. Fenton and one from Alex Berry.

UMaine made several key stops. With 3:29 left in regulation, Mike Kostka rifled a shot from the blue line that beat Bishop and tied the game at 4-4.

Having let UMass back in the game, UMaine players knew they couldn’t let it slip away. They finally secured the victory with two minutes left in the overtime period. Andrew Sweetland stole the puck and made a pass toward the net to Wes Clark. Clark redirected it into the back of the net and UMaine skated off the ice with the 5-4 victory.

Bishop hauled in 36 saves for the Black Bears by game’s end. “These were must-wins, so it’s really a huge boost for our team,” Bishop said. “We got a couple big players back in the lineup and that really uplifted the guys.”

For his efforts on the weekend, first-year Sweetland was named the Hockey East Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Week. He tallied two goals and two assists in the UMass sweep.

Sweetland and the rest of the team will continue to hunt for that final playoff spot when they travel to Vermont for a two-game series this weekend.