LEWISTON – When the Maineiacs face off against the Drummondville Voltigeurs on tonight at Kennebec Ice Arena in Hallowell, the lineup will be markedly different than most people remember, and even different than most people might expect from this new team.

“These two games will help us determine who makes the team,” said Jodoin. “You will still see a mix of rookies and returning players on the ice, though.”

Jodoin has been working hard with all of the players remaining in camp since Sunday, twice holding two-a-day practices to work on certain drills, situations and skills that will eventually turn into systems during the season.

“Win or lose, it is not important to me this weekend,” said Jodoin.

“We will use these games to evaluate players, and we want to see the players play that we are not sure about.”

The Maineiacs will play three games in six nights with games on Sunday in Drummondville and on Tuesday against Moncton in St. John, New Brunswick.

Still no equipment

While Michal Korenko has been able to suit up and play for the Maineiacs in practices thanks to some borrowed equipment, fellow countryman and aspiring Maineiacs’ goaltender Jaroslav Halak has had to wait patiently in the stands and watch while his gear, and Korenko’s, makes its way to Lewiston.

According to the team, as of Thursday, the equipment had yet to surface in Boston. Halak is widely considered a strong contender for the starting goaltending job.

Picard returning

Lewiston’s star forward may make an appearance at Kennebec Ice Arena on Friday.

Alexandre Picard, picked this year in the first round of the NHL draft by Columbus, has been in Calgary at the Canadian Junior Hockey Team’s tryouts, and is expected to arrive in Portland late in the afternoon on Friday.

Picard led the team in scoring last year with 39 goals and 41 assists for 80 points.

He’ll be back

Anyone watching the Maineiacs practice on Thursday and those going to the game Friday night will immediately notice the absence of Jonathan Bernier, the team’s 16-year-old No. 1 draft pick. He has not been cut, but rather had to return to Canada for personal reasons. He is expected to rejoin the teamin Drummondville on Sunday.