Maine at Union - season opener tonight

Well, it's about time - it's the opening night for the University of Maine hockey team, which faces Union at 7 tonight in Schenectady, N.Y. Full disclosure - I'm in Portland for the weekend but Ken Schott of the Schenectady Gazette will be covering the games this weekend for the PPH.

Speaking of the PPH ... you've heard of the Sports Illustrated cover jinx, right? Unfortunately, there might be a PPH cover jinx. Tanner House will not play in this weekend's series at Union after suffering a knee injury during practice Wednesday at Alfond Arena. House's status was originally day-to-day; it's now going to be at least two weeks.

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During practice this week, a few of the Black Bears discussed what their three keys to the season will be ...

Maine Coach Tim Whitehead:

• The ability to stay focused and execute as a team

• Team defense

• More offense

Jeff Dimmen, assistant captain and junior defenseman:

• Goaltending

• Strong team defense

• Special teams

Brian Flynn, sophomore forward:

• Utilizing team speed

• Special teams

• Team defense

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There will be a new feature on From the Point going into game weekends: Know Your Opponent - Not just hockey-wise, but holistically.

Union College

Schenectady, N.Y.

Founded in 1795

Three notable non-hockey alums and how they might relate to your life:

• Read the Washington Post? Howard Simons, Class of '51, was the managing editor of the Post during the Watergate scandal.
• Having trouble swiping your Metrocard at the Herald Square station? Solomon Deyo, Class of 1870, was the first engineer in the construction of the New York City subway system.
• Ever run up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum? Robert Chartoff, Class of '55, produced "Rocky" and won an Academy Award for the movie.

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Yahoo's Puck Daddy released its quick-hit college hockey previews - parts one and two - today. Find out if Union's got any alums in the NHL.