Famous Black Bear alums

Faithful readers of the Eastern Maine Sports Blog know just how impressive the athletes of the state are. Luckily, other sports fans across the country also have some idea, thanks to the many professional athletes that have hailed from Maine. It would take much more than one post to name them all, even if you were to limit it to, say, those who played for the University of Maine’s Black Bears. However, by recognizing some of the players below as examples, we hope to symbolize just how impressive Maine’s sports pedigree really is. If you’ve been watching Maine’s teams for a while, you’ve probably seen some of these players when they were just starting out. Today, you can watch the stars of tomorrowand stay informed right here at EMSB.Ice Hockey

  • Keith CarneyRetired defenseman; his last season was with the Minnesota Wild (2007-08)
  • Mike DunhamRetired goaltender; currently goaltender coach for the New York Islanders
  • Jimmy HowardGoaltender for the Detroit Red Wings since 2005
  • Paul KariyaCurrent free agent who has played left wing and/or centre with the Mighty Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues
  • Dustin PennerCurrent free agent for the Edmonton Oilers
  • Garth SnowRetired goaltender; currently general manager for the New York Islanders
  • Eric WeinrichCurrent assistant coach of the Portland Pirates (AHL); drafted 32nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1985 NHL Entry draft

Football

  • Jovan BelcherLinebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2009
  • Mike BuckFormer quarterback for New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Outlaws
  • Stephen CooperLinebacker for the San Diego Chargers since 2003
  • Mike DeVitoNose tackle and defensive end for the New York Jets since 2007
  • Phil McGeoghanFormer wide receiver for New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and New Orleans Saints
  • Brandon McGowanPlays safety for the New England Patriots after three seasons with the Chicago Bears
  • Matthew MulliganTight end for the New York Jets since 2009, and previously an undrafted free agent for the Miami Dolphins (2008-2009)
  • Montell OwensFullback for the Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Daren StoneCurrent free agent who’s played for the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens
  • Justin StrzelczykOffensive lineman for Pittsburgh Steelers from 1990-1998
  • Lofa Tatupu—Linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks since 2005

Basketball

  • Rick CarlisleDrafted by the Boston Celtics after graduating (1984-1987), then played for Albany Patroons (1987) and New York Knicks (1987-1988) before beginning his coaching career. He has coached the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, and (currently) the Dallas Mavericks
  • Jeff CrossPlayed the 1985-1986 season with the L.A. Clippers