ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While most of the Ann Arbor community enjoyed a typical Friday night, Frank Doyle and Al Montoya reflected on one of the biggest games of their lives.

Doyle sat in his hotel room, while Montoya lounged in his dormitory.

Both goaltenders knew that they would play a key role in their team’s success.

For Montoya, there was no suspense. The freshman, who just celebrated his 18th birthday in February, started all 40 of Michigan’s games this season, and Saturday was no different.

“I just look at each shot as it comes in,” said Montoya. “My job is to stop the pucks.”

Back at the hotel, Doyle had just learned that he would start. It is a ritual that Maine goaltenders have come to expect from coach Tim Whitehead.

“When he says he doesn’t tell anyone ahead of time, he really means it,” said Doyle of Whitehead.

“He told us on Friday night that I was starting.”

From uncertainty about playing to uncertainty about what he would face, Doyle needed time to collect his thoughts.

“It could have been either one of us,” said Doyle. “It definitely changes your mindset once you find out.”

On Saturday, both rookie goaltenders proved equal to almost every shot they faced. Montoya dazzled the large Michigan contingent with several saves on the glove side.

“We knew he sat back in the net a bit from our scouting,” said Maine senior forward Martin Kariya.

“I guess he can afford to do that with his glove like it is. We probably should have explored that a bit more.”

The one Maine goal actually hit Montoya also, but it trickle through anyway.

On the other end, Doyle was equally spectacular, particularly in the second period when Michigan seemed to have the jump on Maine.

“Frank was fantastic,” said Whitehead. “He reacted well, he picked up the puck when he had to, and he made several key stops that kept us in the game when we needed it most.”

For Montoya, the ride isn’t quite over. He plays against Colorado College this afternoon in the Midwest regional final.

For Doyle, he still has one more year where he will play a big factor in Maine’s continuing presence in Hockey East.

“It’s a big plus to have them next year,” said Whitehead of Doyle and freshman Jimmy Howard. “We’re excited with the future of our goaltending.”

Notes

Maine outshot Michigan 35-27…This was Maine’s first loss to Michigan in an NCAA tournament game. Maine is now 3-1 against Michigan…Maine is still winless against the Wolverines in the state of Michigan (0-4)…Despite the win, Michigan is still under .500 in one-goal games. Michigan is 4-5-0 in those situations…Michigan is 21-2-0 when scoring the first goal of the game…Maine had not previously lost a one-goal game this season. Maine is now 8-1 in one-goal games…Maine finished its final 13 games with a 4-8-1 mark…Martin Kariya finishes his Maine career with 154 points in 154 games, good for 12th on the all-time Black Bears list.

jpelletier@sunjournal.com

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