ORONO -- His ability as a goalie is rarely questioned.

He's quick for a big man, effective almost always, brilliant at times.

The big question about University of Maine goalie Ben Bishop is this: Can he stay healthy?

Maine coaches, players, and their legions of followers, sure hope so.

Bishop's ability to go the distance this season with one of the youngest Black Bear squads in recent years will be a critical component if the 2007-08 team is to have success. Bishop struggled with a groin injury down the stretch last year after a run-in with a New Hampshire forward in February. It's an injury that can plague goalies in particular for a very long time.

Last weekend Bishop rebounded from an undisclosed "left leg injury" suffered the week prior to make 73-of-78 saves in a pair of losses at Denver to open the season, sending a message that he is feeling pretty good. Maine will host Mercyhurst for its home opener tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.

"He's worked very hard in the offseason to get in good physical condition to stay healthy as much as he can control," Maine coach Tim Whitehead said. "He showed how quickly he can bounce back this year already."

Bishop, with a spring in his step and grin on his face, said he is feeling great: "I'm definitely feeling a lot better."

He underwent minor knee surgery this summer to repair a torn meniscus, and believes he's come into the season in the best shape of his career.

He said he feels stronger, is better conditioned, and feels more flexible. He now weighs in at 6-foot-7, 210 pounds.

"Numbers don't lie," Bishop said, referring to his increased performance in the weight room.

He spent the summer working out, filling out, and doing yoga twice a week to work on flexibility.

"You feel a lot better. You're not as tight," Bishop said. "We're doing it once a week as a team now. It's serious, but guys have fun with it."

He's also morphed into one of the veterans of the team. No longer the innocent-looking freshman, Bishop -- who will turn 21 next month -- is among the players being looked up to by a class of 10 incoming freshmen.

"I remember looking up to Greg Moore, Michel Leveille, Derek Damon," said Bishop, reeling off players from the last two years. "This year there's kids looking up to me. You just know there are guys watching you. The roles are reversed."

Bishop went 21-9-2 last year with a 2.14 goals against average and .923 save percentage. He said his personal goal is to be even more consistent this year.

"I want to play at an elite level every game," Bishop said. "You need to do that especially when the ultimate goal is to play at the next level."

One area he expects to show improvement: his decision making on leaving the goal mouth.

Bishop has been known to get caught out of position after doling out a pass in the corner that gets turned over.

"I'm still going to play the puck but I'll be doing it smarter," Bishop said. "I'll be picking my spots a little more. I'll be conservative because of the young guys we'll have out there."

Bishop handled a heavy load of games last year until his injury forced backup Dave Wilson to step into the starting role. Wilson picked up two wins, but was winless on the road, finishing with a 2-6 record, 3.12 GAA and .893 save percentage.

This season, with such a young team, Bishop will handle a heavy load even within games.

No problem, he says.

"It's exciting as goalie to get more shots," Bishop said. "I'd rather see 40 shots than 15 anyday."

Captain Travis Ramsey, a defenseman, said he has seen a marked rise in confidence from Bishop both on and off the ice.

"He has become more of a leader," said Ramsey. "He gives his point of view when we have team meetings and guys really respect him. It's his game day preparation that*s really impressive. It bleeds to all of us."

Bishop said he is ready to be more vocal on the ice this season.

"I'll be more in charge out there," Bishop said. "I've got a lot of young guys, a lot of new guys out there. My job will be to direct the traffic. I don't have Michel Leveille or Mike Hamilton coming back into the zone. There will be three freshmen out there at times."