Maine graduate Jeremy Swayman thanks a college rival for preparing his return

BOSTON — Jeremy Swayman, a former standout at Maine, knew how what he wanted to say would sound to fans up north, so he worded it a little when asked how he stayed sharp while he wasn't was obliged.

“I’m a black bear, a black bear through and through,” Swayman said. “But I couldn’t have done it without BU.”

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Boston University head coach Jay Pandolfo and assistant coach Kim Branvold are both former Bruins assistant coaches. During his contract break with the Bruins, which ended Sunday, Swayman was regularly on the ice at Boston University and practicing with the Terriers' players.

He thanked each member of Boston University's coaching staff by name.

“I was there every day. They gave me an oasis where I could completely escape from the outside world. They gave me a training ground to keep my game sharp,” he said. “Although I am a black bear through and through, I am an honorary terrier.

“These guys, I really hope that they feel the love and appreciation that I feel for what they did for me,” he added. “I have an eternal debt to the boys in this locker room.”

The Bruins announced early Sunday that they had agreed to a contract with their restricted free agent goaltender. Swayman will receive $66 million over eight years, an annual value of $8.25 million.

In three seasons in Orono, Swayman was 3-0-1 in four games against the Terriers.