The University of Maine hockey team’s guaranteed offensive punch from the blue line disappeared in a heartbeat Monday.

Based on an NCAA ruling, Francis Nault (Tracy, Quebec) is no longer eligible to play for the Black Bears.

NCAA Bylaw 14.2.3.5 states that a student-athlete who competes in any outside competition after his or her 21st birthday, and prior to his or her initial full-time enrollment in a collegiate institution, forfeits one year of eligibility.

Nault, who recently completed his third season with the hockey program, stopped competing with the Connecticut Clippers junior team in February 2000, prior to his 21st birthday. However he played in a pair of summer collegiate development tournaments in 2000, for the purpose of being seen by college scouts.

The University of Maine appealed to the NCAA to have Nault’s fourth year of eligibility reinstated, but the NCAA denied the last of those appeals.

Nault has the option of continuing to work with the Maine hockey program as a student-assistant coach. In this capacity, he would retain a scholarship, travel with the team, and assist the coaching staff with both on- and off-ice duties.

Nault, however, will continue to look for professional opportunities that may present themselves.

“Francis has emerged as one of the top college defensemen in the east and has been an extremely valued contributor to our success over the past three seasons. We will miss his presence on the ice very much,” said head coach Tim Whitehead. “I’m confident he will land a professional hockey opportunity in the very near future. I would love to see him back here as a student-assistant coach, sharing his experience and knowledge with the younger guys on the team, and I look forward to the possibility of his continued involvement with the program.”

“It’s unfortunate that Francis will not be allowed to complete his experience at the University of Maine on the ice with his teammates” said Athletic Director Patrick Nero. “While I am disappointed that we were unsuccessful in our attempts to regain a fourth season of eligibility for Francis, I am pleased that he will have the opportunity to complete his education at the University of Maine and continue his involvement with our team, if he chooses to do so.”

Nault tallied 10 goals and 26 assists for 36 points this season, including four power-play goals. He finishes his collegiate career with 18 goals and 54 assists for 72 points in 110 career games played, with six power-play goals and three game-winners.

Nault was a first team All-Hockey East selection this season, and earned second team All-Star honors from the New England Hockey Writers and was an Inside College Hockey third team All-American.