ORONO — If Mark Anthoine was testing the NCAA Division I hockey waters last year by dipping his toe into the pool, expect a two-and-a-half somersault with one-and-a-half twist dive and a no-splash landing from the Lewiston native this year.

With a year under his belt at the University of Maine, Anthoine is ready to make his mark with the Black Bears’ program.

“I think it was good last year to get the whole aspect of college under my belt last year,” Anthoine said. “Playing junior hockey, the last year playing, I took one class or two classes. Now, it’s classes, the team, the social scene, travel. Coming in this year I felt so much more comfortable with it all.”

It showed in his summer training, and in his return to campus this fall.

“Mark had a great summer,” Maine head coach Tim Whitehead said. “He was probably our most consistent freshman last year, he played the most games (33) of any of our freshmen, and deserved it. He was the most ready. He played in the USHL for three seasons, took that extra year to make sure he slam-dunked it, and he did. He was an all-star and a captain, and he was ready last year.”

In those 33 games a year ago, Anthoine posted a goal and three assists and 46 shots on goal along with six penalties for 23 minutes. His older teammates know what that’s like.

“It’s tough coming into the league as a freshman, you don’t always know what to expect,” senior forward Spencer Abbott said. “It takes several games to really learn how to play the game, where to go and how to get there. Some guys learn it quicker than others, and Anthoine’s really done that.”

All of those numbers, Anthoine figures, will go up this season, given his style of play.

“Freshman year, because of the kind of player I want to be and play like, a power forward, it’s tough to have that role right away,” Anthoine said. “I think this year, I’ll have more of an opportunity because of the hard work I’ve put in all summer. I want to be a player, I want our team to succeed, and that’s what it takes.”

Last year, he said, there was a bit more awe in slipping into the jersey he’d grown up dreaming of wearing. This year, there’s a comfort level to it, which has added to his confidence.

“I still remember media day from last year, stepping on this ice and feeling ready to go,” Anthoine said. “I feel like this year it’s more with a purpose. I feel comfortable where I am, we have an opportunity to do well, and I think we will.”

Anthoine worked all summer with fellow Maine product and Black Bear teammate Jake Rutt, as well as with Boston College star defenseman, Brian Dumoulin of Biddeford.

“I had an awesome summer for training,” Anthoine said.

The coaching staff in Orono noticed, too.

“This year he’s even more prepared,” Whitehead said. “He’s in even better physical condition, his cardio is much higher, his strength is up. I think he’s going to have a great year. He’s going to have more ice time, and you’re going to see him in situations you didn’t see him in much last year, like the penalty kill, the power play and first and last minutes of the games. He’s ready. We’re very proud of Mark and the work he’s put in.”

The Black Bears play their lone exhibition game of the season Sunday night against the University of New Brunswick at Alfond Arena. Maine opens the regular season Friday at home against Merrimack.