Orono, Maine -- The University of Maine was the right place, at the perfect time, for Gustav Nyquist.

 

The forward from Sweden was making a recruiting visit to Boston College that coincided with a hockey game against the Black Bears, whose coaching staff had a chance to speak with him there

 

Nyquist enjoyed the encounter and there was playing time to be had after UMaine lost a large senior class that sparked the team to three Frozen Fours in four seasons.

 

Nyquist settled in quickly in Orono and became a game-changer for the Black Bears alongside classmates Brian Flynn, Spencer Abbott, Will O'Neill and Scott Darling, all of whom would also play in the National Hockey League.

 

"I always tell people that it was probably the best three years of my life," Nyquist said. "I came into a group of teammates and coaches who were great, took care of us right away."

 

In three seasons before signing with the Detroit Red Wings, the fourth-round draft pick racked up 50 goals and 94 assists in 113 games.

 

He twice was a finalist for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award presented to the best player in college hockey, earning top-three status in 2010 when he posted 19 goals and 42 assists.

 

"It was a great period of my life and I owe Maine a lot for my success in my hockey career. I think I learned a lot through my three years."

 

Nyquist arrived with considerable hockey skills, but took advantage of his time at UMaine to get stronger.

 

"I think I needed at that point, being a smaller guy, to just kind of grow physically," Nyquist said.

 

Former UMaine coach Tim Whitehead marveled at Nyquist's skill, but was even more impressed with his personality and his demeanor.

 

"He has some swagger because he's a great hockey player, but off the ice he's a humble, well-spoken kid who cares about others," Whitehead said.

 

Those qualities made Nyquist a favorite not only of fans, but among his teammates.

 

Nyquist was named an American Hockey Coaches Association East First Team All-American in 2010 and was a second-team pick in 2011.

 

He twice was selected for the Hockey East All-Conference First Team.

 

"He's one of those rare players that when he touches the puck, coming up the ice, everybody on the bench would stand up in anticipation of something happening and usually it did," Whitehead said.

 

He pointed to Nyquist's effectiveness both on the power play and killing penalties. He tallied 18 power-play goals and had three short-handed tallies with six game-winners among his 50 career goals. 

 

Nyquist, who keeps in touch with many of his former teammates, complimented his coaches and hockey staff for their support.

 

"It was a great experience for me. There's so many good memories from that time," said Nyquist, who singled out his first game at Alfond Arena.

 

"The tough one that I'll always remember was our loss against BC in the championship game, 7-6 in overtime. That one still hurts me when I think about it," he said.

 

Nyquist has flourished in nine seasons as a pro, the first eight with Detroit, followed by San Jose and now Columbus. He has produced 146 goals and 202 assists in 570 games.

 

Nyquist and his wife Danielle (Barone) have two daughters Charlotte, 2, and Sophie, 5 months.

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The 2021 UMaine Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet will take place on Friday, Sept. 17 at Jeff's Catering in Brewer, Maine from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a social hour and hors d'oeuvres followed by a buffet meal and the official induction presentations of all of the inductees. This special event will be by reservation only, with limited space available. Tickets for the event are available for $50. To purchase your ticket to the UMaine Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, please visit GoBlackBears.com/tickets. If you prefer to mail your payment, please contact banquet Co-Chairs Cherie Damon (207.949.4745 / cdicemom2@aol.com) or Sue Pate (207.249.9245 / suepate@roadrunner.com). Friday evening's induction banquet will be streamed for free here.