On Oct. 18 and 19, the University of Maine women’s ice hockey team took on the No.15 Boston University Terriers at Agganis Arena. 

The Black Bears are coming off a split weekend with the Providence Friars, and look to continue their win streak. Maine’s all time record with the Terriers is 22-34-4.  Last season, the Black Bears won one of the three contests with the Terriers. 

In the first period, the Terriers came out stronger. Twelve minutes into the game, the Terriers struck first, as first-year forward Lola Reid scored and was assisted by fifth-year defenseman Julia Shaunessy. Less than a minute later, two former Black Bears teamed up to make it 2-0 Terriers. Third-year forward Lilli Welke scored off of a pass by her sister, third-year forward Luisa Welke. Third-year forward Riley Walsh also added an assist on the play.

Fifteen seconds later, the Black Bears responded. Second-year forward Sam Morrison tipped in a shot by third-year forward Dani Brunette. Second-year forward Raegen Wurm also tallied an assist on the play. After a few more Maine penalties, the first period ended with the score 2-1.

Going into the second period, the game was back and forth. Both offenses were working hard to get shots on net, Both teams also had opportunities on power plays, but no goals were scored. Black Bear first-year goalie Kiia Lahtinen, in first career start, made 18 saves during the period. Lahtinen finished the game with 36 saves. The score remained 2-1 after 40 minutes.

In the third period, the Black Bears offense came out ready in an attempt to tie the game. The 3rd period was the best offensive play the Black Bears performed in the game. Maine outshot Boston University 8 to 7 in the final frame. With under 10 minutes to play, the Black Bears had a few shots on net with a power play. Despite the effort, the Terriers held on to win the first game by a score of 2-1.

On Oct. 19th, the Black Bears played another contest with the Terriers. 

In the first period, Morrison had a breakaway opportunity for Maine, but it was stopped by fourth-year Terrier goalie Callie Shanahan.  The Black Bear offense was off to a better start than the first game. Despite the effort, Shanahan saved all the shots. Fourteen minutes into the first period, third-year forward Sydney Healy opened the scoring for the Terriers.

In the second period, the Terriers started stronger than the Black Bears. Fourth-year defenseman Adrianna Van De Leest visited the penalty box for tripping. The Black Bears were able to stop all shots, which led to an evenly-played period. The period ended with the Terriers leading 1-0.

The Black Bears threatened to score to start the third period, but were then assessed another penalty, as fourth-year forward Mira Seregély was sent to the box for hooking.

With seven minutes left in the game, the Black Bears went onto their first power play of the game. However, the Terriers killed it off and seconds later, second-year defenseman Jaidyn Britt committed a tripping penalty, sending the Terriers to a power play. 

As the penalty expired, the Terriers added an insurance goal to make it 2-0. Graduate student defenseman Tamara Giaquinto scored, assisted by Reid.

The Black Bears lost the game 2-0, and were swept by the Terriers. Maine will travel to Hamilton, New York to take on seventh ranked Colgate University on Oct. 25 and 26.

On Sept. 21, the University of Maine Black Bears football team won 26-15 against the Merrimack College Warriors.  

Maine won the coin toss, choosing to defer, giving it to Merrimack’s offense. Merrimack’s offense was led by second-year quarterback Ayden Pereira, who is a former Black Bear. Pereira played one game for UMaine last season.

On the opening drive, Maine defense was able to stop Pereira and the Warriors. The Black Bears’ first drive was not as successful as fifth-year quarterback Carter Peevy had hoped. Maine had a first down caught by fifth-year Mason Gilbert. On the second down, fourth-year defensive back Grant Jackson picked up a fumble for a scoop-and-score touchdown. Fourth-year kicker Lliam Davis secured the extra point giving the Warriors a 7-point lead.

The Black Bear defense allowed a field goal by Davis, giving the Warriors a 10 point lead. Maine’s offense strengthened, and they ended the quarter with the ball on the Merrimack 1-yard line.

The second quarter picked up with second and goal. The drive ended with Gilbert catching a touchdown on a fade route to make the score 10-6. The Black Bears attempted a throwing play for a two-point conversion, but the pass, intended for third-year Declan McKevvit, was incomplete.

On the Warriors’ next drive, Davis kicked another field goal. With five minutes on the clock, Peevy was sacked for a safety by fourth-year defensive lineman Jay Thompson, making the game 15-6.

After the Maine defense pulled off a fourth down interception in the end zone, the score remained 15-6 at halftime.

At the start of the third quarter, the two teams traded punts, and both defenses were working hard. With eight minutes left in the quarter, defensive back Alhaji Kamara gave Maine the spark they needed. Kamara intercepted the Warriors on their 30-yard line, his second forced turnover of the day. 

Peevy threw two passes to running back fourth-year Tavion Banks, gaining 11 yards and a first down. Peevy continued to move the chains, throwing to fifth-year wide receiver Joe Gillette for 21 yards. The Black Bear offense got their ninth penalty of the game for an illegal block, forcing them back to the 20-yard line for 2nd and goal. But Peevy would scramble for 12 yards, and then threw to fifth-year tight end Cooper Heisy for an eight yard touchdown. Second-year kicker Joey Bryson, added the extra point.

This drive was the start of the change in momentum for the Black Bears, while the Warriors started to slow down, losing the momentum they had in the first half. The quarter ended 15-13 with Merrimack still clinging to a two-point lead.

The first drive of the fourth quarter ended with a field goal by Bryson, giving Maine their first lead of the game. The Warriors tried to get their momentum back, but the Black Bears forced a quick punt.

Starting at their own six-yard line, Maine orchestrated a 94-yard touchdown drive. Peevy threw to Gillette for a 20-yard play and a 43-yard play.  Fourth-year Montigo Moss had a catch for 11 yards, followed by Banks with a five-yard carry and a touchdown. Bryson kicked the extra point, which brought UMaine ahead, 23-15.

Pereria came back out as quarterback for the Warriors, after being replaced for a few drives by third-year Justin Lewis, who threw two interceptions. Maine’s defense forced another three-and-out to get the ball back. With two minutes left in the game, Bryson kicked a 33 yard field goal, securing the 26-15 win.

Maine outscored Merrimack 20-0 in the second half, with both the offense and defense dominating.

The Black Bears will look to add on to their win streak as they head to the University of Albany on Sept. 28.

Since April 2024, the Alfond Arena has been under construction. As a part of the UMS Athletic Transformation Plan and the Athletic Equity Plan, it will provide more opportunities for both the Men’s and Women’s athletic teams. Project manager Elizabeth Simonds shared information about what is happening with the Alfond construction and the project’s overall goals.

Although the updates will benefit the student athletes the most, the Alfond Arena will have a familiar but new presence that will increase the fan experience by adding 4,900 sq. ft. to the entrance, a new team store and new concessions areas. 

“The new areas and the new entrance will liven up the building,” Simonds says. Along with those new graphics, and branding down the main concourse, the branding and graphics will highlight former players and really highlight how amazing the Maine Hockey Program is.”

Another main goal is to provide UMaine students with entertainment. Sports are a significant entertainment component of the university during the week and weekend for students. They want to ensure the campus invites students to stay in the area. The goal is for students to want to be a part of the community. 

The construction will be completed for the 2025-26 hockey season. Fans and athletes will enter the newly-renovated Alfond Arena. The phases are in place to allow the student-athletes to have access to their locker rooms and the fitness center this season. Next summer, the locker rooms and fitness center will be taken over by the construction to finish the project. Athletes will have access to the rink while the last part of the construction is underway. 

“The phases allow the athletes to continue practicing and playing as they usually would,”  said Simonds. 

When asked about what she thought the long-term impacts were, Simonds shared that it is to “give student-athletes space that they can live in and expand into for many generations to come.” The Shawn Walsh Center was built in the early 2000s, and the Alfond Arena was built in the 1970s.

“We have grown into it, and now we need to grow beyond what was there previously,” Simonds said. She believes that the overall goal is “to have a really amazing long-term space for these really great D1 athletes.”

With all the new high-end finishes, a new entry tunnel will get both mens’ and womens’ teams excited as they head onto the ice. This new area gives both the womens’ and mens’ teams the same home corridor and will have updated graphics and lighting to get them excited as they step onto the ice and ready to play the game.

Starting this season, the fans will see the new lighting package and a whole new digital lighting system that will improve the fan experience with various color modes and effects. The video board that was new this past season was just the start of the updates to the Alfond. 

An Alfond Arena Beer Garden is opening this season. This area will have updated flooring, painting and lighting throughout the space. The Beer Garden will be located on the west concourse. 

The past few years was just the start of it all. In 2026, fans and players can expect to see the completion of the project. UMaine Athletics is eager for everyone to experience the new renovations starting next season.

On March 6, 2024, the University of Maine Athletics announced a $320 million renovation project from the Harold Alfond Foundation which includes a $170 million investment in UMaine Athletics to fund the Athletics Facilities Master Plan as part of the UMS Transforms. The money represents one of the largest contributions ever to a college sports program.

Adding 4,900 sq. ft. to the Alfond Arena entrance, and 5,000 sq. ft. renovation to the existing Alfond Arena. The men’s and women’s teams will receive new locker rooms equipped with modern lighting and the latest technology to create one of the premier home locker room spaces in Hockey East. The teams will also benefit from a new film room equipped for 42 individuals. Upgrades also include improved branding and structure tunnel leading to the arena. 

The two hockey facilities will be connected by a new concourse entrance, featuring a new building design to complement the Alfond Arena profile that is very recognizable. The new spacious concourse will include renovated points of sale for tickets, concessions as well as a brand-new area for the Bear Necessities team store. A new Hockey Hall of Fame will preserve and celebrate the history of Maine Hockey. 

When entering the facility, individuals can expect to be welcomed to an area celebrating Maine’s only Division 1 program, with displays of athletics history and accomplishments. New and renovated offices for the men’s and women’s head coaches, assistant coaches and support staff will help create a new home for the hockey programs equipped with modern technology to train and care for student-athletes. 

The Shawn Walsh Hockey Center will be upgraded with state-of-the-art sports medicine and strength and conditioning spaces. Hydrotherapy cold and hot tubs as well as larger and more efficient areas for treatment and injury prevention will improve these areas. A newly designed space with upgraded training equipment and new nutrition areas will also be included in the renovations. Adding 13,000 sq. ft. to the Shawn Walsh Hockey Center.

The Dexter Lounge will be revamped as one of the signature components of the building. Upgrades to the lounge will allow student-athletes, staff, donors, and fans to enjoy events, meetings, and gatherings to celebrate Maine Athletics. The newly renovated area will feature improved branding to celebrate the history of Maine Hockey as well as recognition opportunities for donors and improved entrance for premium seat holders. 

The upgrades to the Alfond Arena and Shawn Walsh Hockey Center will further UMaine’s commitment to excellence in the state’s only Division 1 athletics program, strengthen gender equity and provide a preferred destination for high school sport championships and community events. 

 “The enhancements will provide championship-caliber resources for the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs as they prepare to compete in front of the best fans in Hockey East. These improvements will continue our efforts towards being the premier destination for college hockey,” Director of Athletics Jude Killy said. With support of the Harold Alfond Foundation, UMaine will continue on and expand athletic facilities and the growing success of the hockey programs. 

In addition to the renovations to the Alfond Arena and Shawn Walsh Hockey Center, The Athletic department will add improved student ticketing procedures for football and ice hockey. A new arena lighting system and will also add a beer garden for Alfond Arena and an upgraded beer garden for Alfond Stadium. Maine Athletics will also continue to consider options for the in-venue fan experience, as well as parking and traffic flow procedures. 

The master plan of renovating the athletic facilities at UMaine is well underway, the Alfond received a new video board, ribbon boards, new sound system and LED showcase lighting system that was completed in 2023. Along with new football turf in 2021, the new softball complex in 2023, the new field hockey complex also in 2023, and a new baseball scoreboard and fencing completed in 2023. Future upgrades for the athletics include a new soccer and track and field complex, Mahaney Dome will get new turf, and an indoor connector to Memorial Gym. As well as Morse Arena construction to begin in 2025. Morse Arena to be the future home of the Men’s and Women’s basketball. 

WBRC in Bangor Maine, and Crawford Architects from Kansas City, Missouri will serve as the architects for the project. Construction management will be executed by PC Construction from Portland, ME. Forty Nine Degrees from Coldwater, OH will lead the internal branding efforts. 

The Alfond Expansion is well underway and is anticipated to finish Fall 2024. The expansion is the beginning of a transformation of UMaine Athletics. 

The men’s and women’s track and field teams started the spring season this weekend. The teams split, heading to the UConn Northeast Invitational and the Providence College Invitational. 

 In the men’s 100m, second-year Cole Martin got 12th, second-year Josh Sewell got 19th, and fourth-year Ben Cotton got 47th. First-year Luke Patterson got 6th in the Men’s Decathlon 100m and 10th in the 110m hurdles.

 In the 200m, first-year Andrew Card got 28th, Sewell got 33rd, and Cotton got 48th. In the 400m, Card snagged 10th, first-year Miles Gay got 15th and first-year Spencer Stadnicki got 31st. 

 Patterson got second place in both the 400 and 1500-meter decathlon. Patterson had the two best results for the Black Bears in the invitational. The following best result came from third-year Connor Michaud, a second-place result in the 400-meter hurdles. 

 Many members of the men’s team set personal records this weekend. In the men’s 800m, first-years Matt Firlings and Eli Palmer set personal records. Firlings finished in 19th, and Palmer finished in 25th. In the men’s 1500m, third-year James Fahey got a season-best, finishing 27th. First-year Jacob Robinson-Smey came in 29th, and first-year Jack Burns in 34th. 

First-year Harrison Grenier got third in the men’s 5000m. First-year Kyle McClellan came in 9th. 

In the discus throw, fourth-year Jared Pierce came in 7th, and fourth-year Jonathan Prell came in 11th. Fourth-year Marek Veal came in 12th, first-year Maxim Kruk came in 13th, and third-year Ryker Brown came in 18th. In the Decathlon Discus Throw, Patterson got 17th. 

 In the men’s hammer throw, third-year Gavin McGarrity got a personal record and 6th place. Prell came in 15th, and Brown in 20th. In the decathlon high jump, Patterson got 11th, and in the javelin throw, Patterson got 15th. In the long jump, first-year Conor Morin came in 16th, Cotton in 24th, and second-year Andrew Abelon in 29th.  

Patterson came in 13th in the decathlon long jump with 6.24m. Second-year Evan Russo came in 8th in the pole vault with 4.31m. In the decathlon pole vault, Patterson came in 14th with 3.10m. 

Prell grabbed 4th and a season’s best in men’s shot put. In the triple jump, first-year Morin got a personal best. Pierce came in 15th, Veal in 17th, and Kurk in 28th. In the decathlon shot put, Patterson got 18th with 8.38m. In the triple jump, fourth-year Will Murphy got 8th for 14.16m; Morin got a personal best and 10th with 14.12m. 

 In the 4x400m relay, one of the groups got a season’s best. The group consisted of Cotton, fifth-year Ralph Cruz, Martin and Sewell. 

For the women’s team, fourth-year Darcy Cochran came in 27th with a time of 15.56, and third-year Erika Lawson got a time of 15.68, putting her in 29th. In the 100m Hurdles Heptathlon, first-year Athena Cusson got 15th with 17.11, and fourth-year Eliza McPhee got 18.99 and 17th place.

McPhee snagged 3rd, and Cusson got 5th in the Heptathlon Javelin throw. 

In the 200m, fourth-year Kelcie Horst came in 29th at 25.93. In the Heptathlon 200m, Cusson came in 9th with a 26.70, and McPhee came in 17th with a time of 32.08. First-year Brianna Harriman came in 23rd in the 800m. In the Heptathlon 800m Cussion came in 13th.

In the 1500m, first-year Taylor King came in 28th and a personal best, and fourth-year Alexa Brennan came in 29th with a season-best. Fourth-year Maya Hannagan came in 41st, and first-year Meredith Walters came in 43rd. 

Fourth-year Jaymie Sidaway got 8th in the 5000m. Hunnewell-Dunphe came in 24th with 32.35m. Fifth-year Mackenzie Wilson got a personal best and 1st place in the women’s hammer throw. Third-year Elania Panagakos came in 24th with 44.46m, and Hunnewell-Dunphe in 35th with 39.35m.

In the heptathlon high jump, Cusson got 7th with 1.53m, and McPhee in 10th with 1.50m. In the Javelin throw, McPhee came in 3rd with 33.54m, and Cusson in 5th with 32.79m. Third-year Sonya Rybalko came in 22nd with 5.16m in the long jump. 

In the shot put, Panagakos came in 23rd with 11.71. First-year Julia Bassi has a season’s best, grabbing 31st, and  Hunnewell-Dunphe has a 33rd and a season’s best. In the heptathlon Shot Put, McPhee came in 8th with 9.22m, and Cusson came in 17th with 7.29m

Lawson had a 12th-place finish and a season’s best in the triple jump. In the women’s 4x100m relay, fifth-year Amelia Concannon, fourth-year Chenille Eccleston, fourth-year Darcy Cochran, and Horst. In the 4x400m relay, they got 13th and a season’s best, Concannon, Horst, first-year Cassidy Novicka, and first-year Toni Vaillancourt. 

Fifth-year Luke Marsanskis got first place in the 5000m run at the Providence College Invitational. First-year Adam Bendetson got 21st. Second-year Logan Ross was 23rd. Second-year Connor Daigle was 27th. Fifth-year Lucas Bergeron got 31st, and first-year Jared Fortenberry grabbed 37th. 

In the women’s 800m run, first-year Addison Nelson got 33rd. In the women’s 5000m run, fourth-year Marlee Yoder got 11th, and fourth-year Lydia Gilmore got 13th. 

The men’s and women’s teams will head to the College of the Holy Cross next weekend, April 20. 

Black Bears fall 3-1 against Cornell in the first round of the NCAA tournament 

On Thursday, March 28, the University of Maine Men’s Ice Hockey team took on Cornell University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Black Bears lost to the Big Red 3-1. 

It has been 12 years since the Black Bears were in the NCAA tournament. As their last NCAA appearance was in 2012. The Black Bears last met the Big Red in 2013; the result of that game was a tie. This meeting was the first for the two teams in the NCAA tournament. 

The Black Bears’ starting lineup was second-year Thomas Freel, third-year Harrison Scott and fourth-year Donavan Villeneuve-Houle. On defense to start the game was second-year Luke Antonacci and third-year David Brezeale. Beginning in the net for the Black Bears was fourth-year Victor Ostman. This was Ostman’s first start since the 5-2 loss against the University of New Hampshire last month.

In the first period, the Black Bears came out strong, matching every move the Big Red made. Five minutes into the period, Scott scored his 15th goal of the season, assisted by Villeneuve-Houle. 

Cornell’s first-year Ryan Walsh got a penalty for a hit from behind a minute after the goal. The call was originally a minor. The Black Bears challenged the penalty for contact to the head and to review the play for a potential major. The challenge was accepted, putting the Black Bears on a five-minute advantage. The power play lasted for five minutes, but the Black Bears could not score. 

 About fourteen minutes into the period, Cornell’s third-year Kyle Penny scored with an assist by fourth-year Gabriel Seger. The period ended tied at one. 

The Black Bears came out on top in the second period with multiple opportunities. Six minutes into the period, second-year Parker Lindauer went into the box for holding. Ostman made two  saves, keeping the game tied. The Black Bears had many opportunities to score but could not get past Cornell goaltender third-year Ian Shane. 

Big Red took the lead with about eight minutes left in the period. Third-year Sullivan Mack scored this goal, which was his sixth of the season. Mack’s goal was unassisted. Seconds after the goal, Josh Nadeau had a scoring opportunity but could not get past Shane. The period ended 2-1 with The Big Red in the lead.     

In the third period, the Black Bears came out strong, keeping up with the Big Red. As the period went on, the Black Bears started to lose momentum. Cornell scored with nine minutes left in the game. Mack scored for the second time this game. Cornell led the Black Bears 3-1. Ostman was pulled towards the end of the game as an attempt to score another goal. Unfortunately, the Black Bears were unsuccessful and lost 3-1. 

The Black Bears have exceeded all expectations this season. They were voted to end 9th in Hockey East and not make it to the NCAA tournament. The team entered the tournament ranked fifth nationally and third in Hockey East. The Black Bears ended the season 23-12-2 for the season overall. The buzz is back about Maine Hockey under Head Coach Ben Barr. Even though the loss in the first round was tough, it’s a great time to be a Black Bear; UMaine Men’s Hockey is back.

On Friday, March 1, The University of Maine Men’s hockey team took on the University of Vermont after a split weekend with Northeastern. The Black Bears lost night one 2-1.

The starting lineup is different from previous weeks. Fifth-year forward Ben Possion, third-year forward Cole Hanson, first-year forward Sully Scholle, third-year defenseman David Brezeale, and second-year defenseman Brandon Chabrier started for the Black Bears.  Friday night’s game marked 100 career games for two-year captain Brazeale. 

In the first period, The Black Bears took off, being the more dominant team. The Catamounts quickly caught up to the Black Bears’ effort. Harrison Scott went into the box with 16 minutes left in the first for roughing. The Black Bears, with a huge penalty kill, and the Catamounts, had many opportunities but no shots.

With 13 minutes left in the period, the Catamounts’ got a goal. The goal was scored by third-year Isak Walther, assisted by second-year Thomas Sinclair and second-year Ralfs Bergmanis. The Black Bears had many opportunities to score but could not get past fourth-year Gabe Carrie. Boija led the Black Bears through the period, saving four breakaways and huge saves, keeping the score 1-0 in the first. 

In the second period, the Catamounts started stronger than the Black Bears. Fourteen minutes into the period, the Catamounts took a penalty, giving the Black Bears a power play. Possion and Lynden Breen had multiple great shooting attempts during the power play. The power play was unsuccessful.

With 10 minutes left in the period, Boija had more huge saves, keeping the Black Bears in the game.  Boija made another save with about two minutes left in the period. With 44 seconds left in the period, Catamounts take a penalty. Black Bears on the power play. 

In the third period, the Black Bears started with the man advantage. The Black Bears took control of the game. Possion committed a penalty, but the call was reviewed to decide whether it was a major or minor. The challenge was denied and remained a minor. The game was four on four until the Catamount penalty was killed, leaving the Black Bears to kill off the minute remaining. No team scored on either penalty. 

Scholle, first-year Josh Nadeau, and first-year Bradly Nadeau had many shots on the Catamounts goalie but came up short each time. 

Catamounts take another penalty on Ralfs Bergmanis for tripping. The Nadeau brothers had many shots at the goal but had no leverage. While on the power play, Scott scored an unassisted goal and tied the game. The power-play goal marks Scott’s 12th goal of the season.

With about eight minutes left in the game, Chris Theodore scored, assisted by Will Zappernick and Ryan Miotto. First-year Liam Lesakowski took a penalty for tripping, and the Catamounts power play came up short, The Black Bears were able to block all shots on Boija. 

Maine had many opportunities to tie the game again, but they couldn’t get past Catamount’s goaltender. Black bears pulled Boija to put another skater on the ice. An icing call was made that reverted the play for a center-ice face-off. After the face-off, Boija was back on the bench, hopefully adding another skater to tie the game. 

Despite the effort in the third period, the Black Bears fell short 2-1. They will return to the Alfond next weekend, March 8, against the University of Massachusetts Amherst to close off the regular season.

On Friday, March 1, The University of Maine Men’s hockey team took on the University of Vermont after a split weekend with Northeastern. The Black Bears lost night one 2-1.

The starting lineup is different from previous weeks. Fifth-year forward Ben Possion, third-year forward Cole Hanson, first-year forward Sully Scholle, third-year defenseman David Brezeale, and second-year defenseman Brandon Chabrier started for the Black Bears.  Friday night’s game marked 100 career games for two-year captain Brazeale. 

In the first period, The Black Bears took off, being the more dominant team. The Catamounts quickly caught up to the Black Bears’ effort. Harrison Scott went into the box with 16 minutes left in the first for roughing. The Black Bears, with a huge penalty kill, and the Catamounts, had many opportunities but no shots.

With 13 minutes left in the period, the Catamounts’ got a goal. The goal was scored by third-year Isak Walther, assisted by second-year Thomas Sinclair and second-year Ralfs Bergmanis. The Black Bears had many opportunities to score but could not get past fourth-year Gabe Carrie. Boija led the Black Bears through the period, saving four breakaways and huge saves, keeping the score 1-0 in the first. 

In the second period, the Catamounts started stronger than the Black Bears. Fourteen minutes into the period, the Catamounts took a penalty, giving the Black Bears a power play. Possion and Lynden Breen had multiple great shooting attempts during the power play. The power play was unsuccessful.

With 10 minutes left in the period, Boija had more huge saves, keeping the Black Bears in the game.  Boija made another save with about two minutes left in the period. With 44 seconds left in the period, Catamounts take a penalty. Black Bears on the power play. 

In the third period, the Black Bears started with the man advantage. The Black Bears took control of the game. Possion committed a penalty, but the call was reviewed to decide whether it was a major or minor. The challenge was denied and remained a minor. The game was four on four until the Catamount penalty was killed, leaving the Black Bears to kill off the minute remaining. No team scored on either penalty. 

Scholle, first-year Josh Nadeau, and first-year Bradly Nadeau had many shots on the Catamounts goalie but came up short each time. 

Catamounts take another penalty on Ralfs Bergmanis for tripping. The Nadeau brothers had many shots at the goal but had no leverage. While on the power play, Scott scored an unassisted goal and tied the game. The power-play goal marks Scott’s 12th goal of the season.

With about eight minutes left in the game, Chris Theodore scored, assisted by Will Zappernick and Ryan Miotto. First-year Liam Lesakowski took a penalty for tripping, and the Catamounts power play came up short, The Black Bears were able to block all shots on Boija. 

Maine had many opportunities to tie the game again, but they couldn’t get past Catamount’s goaltender. Black bears pulled Boija to put another skater on the ice. An icing call was made that reverted the play for a center-ice face-off. After the face-off, Boija was back on the bench, hopefully adding another skater to tie the game. 

Despite the effort in the third period, the Black Bears fell short 2-1. They will return to the Alfond next weekend, March 8, against the University of Massachusetts Amherst to close off the regular season.

On Friday, March 1, The University of Maine Men’s hockey team took on the University of Vermont after a split weekend with Northeastern. The Black Bears lost night one 2-1.

The starting lineup is different from previous weeks. Fifth-year forward Ben Possion, third-year forward Cole Hanson, first-year forward Sully Scholle, third-year defenseman David Brezeale, and second-year defenseman Brandon Chabrier started for the Black Bears.  Friday night’s game marked 100 career games for two-year captain Brazeale. 

In the first period, The Black Bears took off, being the more dominant team. The Catamounts quickly caught up to the Black Bears’ effort. Harrison Scott went into the box with 16 minutes left in the first for roughing. The Black Bears, with a huge penalty kill, and the Catamounts, had many opportunities but no shots.

With 13 minutes left in the period, the Catamounts’ got a goal. The goal was scored by third-year Isak Walther, assisted by second-year Thomas Sinclair and second-year Ralfs Bergmanis. The Black Bears had many opportunities to score but could not get past fourth-year Gabe Carrie. Boija led the Black Bears through the period, saving four breakaways and huge saves, keeping the score 1-0 in the first. 

In the second period, the Catamounts started stronger than the Black Bears. Fourteen minutes into the period, the Catamounts took a penalty, giving the Black Bears a power play. Possion and Lynden Breen had multiple great shooting attempts during the power play. The power play was unsuccessful.

With 10 minutes left in the period, Boija had more huge saves, keeping the Black Bears in the game.  Boija made another save with about two minutes left in the period. With 44 seconds left in the period, Catamounts take a penalty. Black Bears on the power play. 

In the third period, the Black Bears started with the man advantage. The Black Bears took control of the game. Possion committed a penalty, but the call was reviewed to decide whether it was a major or minor. The challenge was denied and remained a minor. The game was four on four until the Catamount penalty was killed, leaving the Black Bears to kill off the minute remaining. No team scored on either penalty. 

Scholle, first-year Josh Nadeau, and first-year Bradly Nadeau had many shots on the Catamounts goalie but came up short each time. 

Catamounts take another penalty on Ralfs Bergmanis for tripping. The Nadeau brothers had many shots at the goal but had no leverage. While on the power play, Scott scored an unassisted goal and tied the game. The power-play goal marks Scott’s 12th goal of the season.

With about eight minutes left in the game, Chris Theodore scored, assisted by Will Zappernick and Ryan Miotto. First-year Liam Lesakowski took a penalty for tripping, and the Catamounts power play came up short, The Black Bears were able to block all shots on Boija. 

Maine had many opportunities to tie the game again, but they couldn’t get past Catamount’s goaltender. Black bears pulled Boija to put another skater on the ice. An icing call was made that reverted the play for a center-ice face-off. After the face-off, Boija was back on the bench, hopefully adding another skater to tie the game. 

Despite the effort in the third period, the Black Bears fell short 2-1. They will return to the Alfond next weekend, March 8, against the University of Massachusetts Amherst to close off the regular season.

On Friday, Feb.16, the University of Maine Women’s Ice Hockey team faced the Providence College Friars. Seeking redemption from a previous loss at Northeastern, the Black Bears aimed to win their final home game of the regular season. In a thrilling matchup, the Black Bears won Friday night’s game 2-1 in overtime on senior night. 

For their last home game of the season, the Black Bears’ starting lineup featured fifth-year players Rahel Enzler and Eliza Morphy alongside Anne-Frederique Guay and Ida Kuoppala as the forwards. On defense, fifth-year Kennedy Little joined Morphy, while fourth-year Jorden Mattison took her position in the net. 

During the first period of the game, the Friars had more possession, but saves by Mattison kept the Black Bears in contention. Friars recorded 12 shots on the net with a total of 16 attempts for the period. The Black Bears recorded 9 shots on net and a total of 13 attempts for the period. Despite numerous opportunities to capitalize from both teams, the period ended scoreless. 

The second period started with the Black Bears on the power play advantage. With numerous attempted shots on the net, the Black Bears controlled the period. Despite this, the Black Bears could not get past the Friars goalie, third-year Hope Walinski.

The Black Bears gained the advantage after third-year Lily Martinson of the Friars received a penalty, allowing them to take control of the period. Despite the efforts from both teams, the period ended without goals from either team. The Black Bears recorded 29 shots, with 20 on the net, while the Friars recorded 34 shots, with 25 directed toward Mattison.

The third period saw a stronger start from the Friars compared to the Black Bears. At the 1:30 mark, the Friars scored, first-year Audrey Knapp finding the net, assisted by fourth-year Brooke Becker. Impressive saves by Mattison kept the Black Bears in the game from the first goal. 12 minutes into the period, Raegan Wurm served a penalty for interference. 

While on the penalty kill, First-year Mikayla Boarder was on a breakaway when Friar first-year  Lindsey Bochna tripped Boarder. Boarder collided with the Friars goaltender Walinski and Bochna. Since Bochna went after her knee, the play was reviewed. Resulting in a penalty for Bochna and a penalty shot for the Black Bears. Second-year Ava Stevenson was sent out to take the shot for the Black Bears. Stevenson tied the game 1-1 for her second goal of the season. 

Following the penalty shot, the Black Bears seized control of the game. Mattison had great saves to keep the Friars from scoring. Kuoppala had a breakaway but could not get past the Friar’s goaltender, Hope Walinski. The Black Bears had many scoring opportunities but could not get past Walinski. Mattison met every shot with her glove when the Friars were in the Black Bear defensive zone. 

As regulation time ended in a draw, the game went into overtime. Just 13 seconds into overtime, third-year Mira Sergeley, assisted by first-year Sam Morrison and third-year Ariana Van de Leest, scored the winning goal, ending the game. 

The final score was a 2-1 victory for Maine, ending the last home game of the season for the Black Bears. Looking ahead, they will head to Massachusetts to take on Holy Cross to finish the regular season next weekend.