Harrison Scott graduated after two impressive seasons as a center for the University of Maine’s hockey team, leading the team in scoring last season with 18 goals and 17 assists in 38 games for the Hockey East tournament champs.
One of the players replacing him is his younger brother, Max, who transferred to UMaine from Brown University.
Head coach Ben Barr and the UMaine players said Max is like a clone of his brother.
“It’s pretty funny. They talk the same. They use the same lingo. They have the same voice,” said junior goalie Albin Boija.
“If you close your eyes, they sound like the exact same person,” said junior defenseman and assistant captain Frank Djurasecvic.
Barr said they could be twins.
“They have similar personalities and they look alike,” Barr said.
Senior defenseman and co-captain Brandon Holt said they are also similar types of players.
“They are reliable two-way centers. They are hard-nosed,” Holt said. “They are two of the hardest working players I have ever played with.”
Co-captain win Thomas Freel had similar input.
“It’s amazing how similar they are because of how important a player Harrison was for us last year. Max is bringing the same sort of energy and playing style this year,” Freel said. “They are grinder-type-of-players who are super reliable and also have some offensive flair in their games.
“They’re unique players and important players for every kind of team to have,” Freel added.
Max Scott said he and his brother “definitely sound the same.”
And his brother has had a major influence on his career.
“We grew up in a competitive household,” Scott said. “We instilled the work ethic into each other. It has been a battle between us since day one. We try to get one up on each other.”
The San Jose natives played one year of high school hockey and one year of junior hockey together.
“It was nice having him to look up to during that time,” Scott said. “I’ve definitely grown a lot personally during that time as well and he definitely showed me the ropes and I’m happy to bring it.”
The Scotts talk at least once a week and Max said they discuss “little, nitty-gritty things that can only make the both of us better.”
He added that his brother gave him the “formula for success” at UMaine.
“It’s awesome to have that person in my life,” Max added.
Harrison Scott is now playing in the Dallas Stars organization and appeared in 20 games for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Texas Stars, after the college season ended.
Max said he is “super excited” for his brother’s pro career.
Max Scott got off to a good start to his UMaine career with the game-tying, third-period power play goal in the 2-2 exhibition tie with New Hampshire at Bowdoin College’s Sidney J. Watson Arena last Friday. He was also the only Black Bear to score in the shootout, which was won by UNH 2-1.
“Max is still figuring out what we’re doing. I’m sure he’s overthinking some things,” Barr said. “But he works really hard and he scored the other night because he got to the net after winning a battle in the corner.”
Like his brother, Scott will find himself playing in all situations, according to Barr.
Harrison Scott, who played his last two seasons at UMaine after transferring from Bentley, played a major role in luring his brother to UMaine.
“He told me he had an awesome time here. He only had good things to say about it,” Max Scott explained. “If you’re looking to make it to the next level, this is the place that is going to do that for me.”
He was Brown’s leading goal scorer as a sophomore last season with 12 to go with 14 assists.
“I want to turn into a high-end hockey talent and this is the spot if I want to grow as a person and a player,” he added.
Scott appeared in 22 games as a freshman at Brown and notched seven goals and 11 assists.
He tallied his 26 points in 32 games last season.
“I’m looking to step into a big role this year. I want to continue to be that reliable, 200-foot player that I am. I want to produce as much as I can and help the team to a bunch of wins this season.”
Djurasevic expects Max Scott to keep improving and be a great player for the Black Bears.
“He has been a real good pickup for us,” Holt said.
Scott and the Black Bears will open the season when they host defending Atlantic Hockey America regular season champion Holy Cross at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“I’m really pumped,” Scott said. “We’re ready to bring it.”
And he is really enjoying playing at UMaine.
“It has been a great ride so far,” Scott said.
