WATERBORO — Despite early playoff exits in the last two postseasons, the Massabesic/Old Orchard Beach/ Bonny Eagle hockey team has made big strides in creating a top-notch program in the state.

MOB was led by senior Tanner McClure, who has emerged as arguably the state’s top player in the past two seasons by dominating opposing defenses on a nightly basis.

Between scoring over 50 points in the 18-game season, and mentoring younger players, McClure set an example for MOB on and off the ice. 

“He was a leader on and off the ice. He was a player that would communicate with everyone — he made sure everyone knew what was going on and where they had to be,” said MOB coach Loren Blair. “If we were working on new things he would make sure the younger players knew what to do.”

McClure averaged over two points per game, solidifying his place as one of the state’s premiere scorers. He also was efficient defensively, which made him a threat on all areas of the ice. Perhaps his biggest advantage was his smarts, demonstrating a high hockey IQ throughout his MOB tenure.

Having such a dynamic forward was key in MOB’s success, according to Blair.

“It was unbelievable having a player that could play both ends of the ice and have that hockey sense,” said Blair. “When I coached him as a sophomore what he lacked in strength he made up for in hockey sense, and in the last two years he’s worked on his strength and has turned into quite a great athlete.”

The Mustangs will have their hands full next year when trying to replace the void that will be left by the departing senior. Blair and company hope that the rising Mustangs will take what they have learned from their star leader, and will build on the program’s recent success.

“I don’t know if you can replace (him). I have four or five freshman that played quite a bit last year and these players have learned a lot from him,” said Blair. 

Although McClure’s presence will be missed on the ice, MOB will remember his impact, and respect the effort he put in each day.

“They respect him, they see his hard work and hopefully they put in the same hard work,” said Blair. “Tanner has worked hard and proved that he is where he is because of hard work.”

Be sure to check out the rest of the Journal Tribune winter All-Stars next week, where we will be revealing the best of girls basketball, girls hockey, swimming, track and wrestling for the 2017 season.

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.