S3 E10 The Black Bear Hockey Episode

Bob Cutler and University of Maine Men's Hockey Coach Ben Barr take a seat at Novio's Table Eleven during Monday Night Dinner Service to talk oysters, Sazeracs, and the revival of Black Bear Hockey—digging into culture, community, and how Maine hockey's identity continues to build around integrity, effort, and pride on and off the ice.

Key Topics

Culture as the Core of Recruitment

Barr emphasizes that winning programs are built from within—when players love where they are, word spreads faster than any recruiter can travel. Team culture now drives success more than individual stats or hype.

Balancing Tradition with Modernization

Maine hockey's renovated facilities and renewed national presence show that the program honors its legendary roots while adapting to new realities in college athletics, from NIL deals to the transfer portal.

Hockey, Family, and Community in Maine

Barr speaks about raising a young family in Brewer, the warmth of Maine's people, and the unique bond between the program and the state—where hockey is more than a sport; it's a shared identity.

(0:26–3:00) Coach Barr joins Bob live at Novio's Bistro, reflecting on Maine's hockey resurgence and the pride of returning to national prominence.

(10:14–14:00) Bob and Ben discuss Maine's new arena, Alfond Foundation support, and how modern facilities elevate recruiting and player experience.

(20:12–25:00) Barr's Recruiting Philosophy emphasises character and culture, which now matter more than traditional scouting—and players who love the program become its best ambassadors.

(40:10–46:30) NIL and transfer portals are reshaping college sports but Maine's advantage lies in hockey's smaller, tighter-knit competitive world.

(55:00–1:03:00) Barr opens up about family life in Brewer, Maine's fan culture, and the community's deep connection to the Black Bear identity.