Bishop, Howard NHL Goalies

Former UMaine Black Bear Gustav Nyquist will start the season with Detroit's AHL team in Grand Rapids, despite Nyquist signing a new two year deal just weeks ago. Another former Black Bear, Jimmy Howard will again be the starting goalie when the Wings open the season against Buffalo.

Howard is one of five former UMaine players on NHL rosters to start the 20130-14 season. Ben Bishop is one of two goalies for Tampa Bay, winger Teddy Purcell is also with Tampa. Dustin Penner left the LA Kings and signed a free agent deal with Anahiem. Brian Flynn is with the Buffalo Sabres.

The coaching and management ranks of the NHL are filled with former Black Bears...The NY Islanders have GM Garth Snow, coach Jack Capuano, goalie coach Mike Dunham, their AHL team head coach is Scott Pellerin and recently hired Bob Corkum is in player development.

Toronto GM Dave Nonis and assistant coach Greg Cronin are former Bears.

Vancouver head coach John Tortorella is also a former UM player.