ORONO, Maine (WABI) – This Saturday, playoff hockey returns to Alfond Arena.
On Wednesday the University of Maine held a pep rally to get students pumped up for the game as the sounds of the Screaming Black Bear Pep Band filled the Memorial Union.
“The crowd that showed up today, it’s something special and definitely compared to other places, Maine is special. And you can just see with the fan base you see it here; you see it pregame there’s lines outside hours before our games. The passion behind the fans is awesome and definitely gets the boys going,” said Owen Fowler, a Junior Forward on the Maine Men’s Ice Hockey team.
The rally featured performances from the Screaming Black Bear Pep Band and Dance Team.
“Being a part of the band, you know we are the driver of the energy really, and it’s maybe the unsung heroes, but, you know, it’s kind of fun. It’s cool to be a part of the inner workings of the school spirit that we have,” said Jack Gibson, a member of the Screaming Black Bear Pep Band.
“Today was so magical. I’m actually a senior, and I’m one of the two co-captains of the dance team this year, so this time of year is always tough because we’re never sure when our last performance is going to be, so every game for me feels bittersweet. Getting to be here amongst the crowd of all the people today and so much energy was so fun,” said Casey Maddock, a co-captain on the Maine Dance Team.
“I wasn’t expecting so many people to like, actually get into it, but I loved watching, even though I had to put my head up. I loved watching the fans get so hyped and just making that noise, making that energy,” said Amanda Bissonnette, a member of the Maine Dance Team.
That kind of energy is crucial for a team hosting a playoff game.
“It’s huge honestly, you want to call it 7th man type mentality, and, you know, having them behind us it gives us so much energy going into games, and you come out for warmups, a packed crowd in the student section. And it’s pretty easy to get up for games when you have students behind you and the whole school and the whole state of Maine behind you. It’s awesome,” Fowler said.
Copyright 2025 WABI. All rights reserved.
