ORONO, Maine — The University of Maine men’s ice hockey team faced the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Friday, Nov. 6, at Alfond Arena. The Black Bears looked to earn their first Hockey East victory of the season and end a two-game losing streak.
Maine battled the No. 19 Minutemen throughout the matchup, generating numerous offensive opportunities while working to maintain pressure in the attacking zone. Despite outshooting UMass by 25, the Black Bears struggled to capitalize on their scoring chances and ultimately fell 2-1.
The Minutemen opened the scoring early in the first period when second-year forward Jack Galanek capitalized on a turnover at the 3:09 mark. After Maine lost possession in its defensive zone, Galanek took the puck and beat second-year goaltender Albin Boija to give UMass a 1-0 advantage.
The Black Bears responded by increasing their offensive pressure, recording 13 shots on goal in the opening period compared with UMass’ six. Maine created several scoring opportunities but was unable to find the back of the net. First-year goaltender Ethan Eskit was a wall for the Minutemen, making several important saves to preserve their early lead.
Maine continued to generate scoring chances in the second period, recording another 17 shots on goal. However, Eskit continued to frustrate the Black Bears’ offense with consistent saves. Both teams exchanged opportunities, with Boija also making key stops to keep Maine within reach.
The Minutemen extended their lead late in the second period when third-year forward Maxim Masse scored on a power play at the 16:47 mark, with third-year forward Jack Musa also earning an assist. The goal gave UMass a 2-0 advantage heading into the second intermission.
In the third period, Maine looked to overcome the two-goal deficit and get back into the game. The Black Bears continued their offensive push, recording 17 additional shots on goal as they attempted to break through Eskit’s defense.
Maine finally got on the scoreboard at the 16:56 mark when fourth-year forward Jaden Lipinski converted a breakaway opportunity. After coming out of the penalty box, Lipinski collected a pass from second-year forward Thomas Pichette and skated toward the net, beating Eskit to cut the Minutemen’s lead to 2-1. The goal marked Lipinski’s first of the season, while Pichette recorded his second assist of the year.
With less than three minutes remaining, the Black Bears continued searching for the tying shot but could not capitalize on their remaining opportunities. UMass held on defensively through the final minutes to secure the 2-1 victory.
Maine finished the game with 47 shots on goal compared with UMass’ 22. The Black Bears also won the faceoff battle 36-26. Despite their offensive advantage, Maine went 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Minutemen converted one of their two opportunities with the extra-man advantage.
In net, Eskit delivered an outstanding performance for UMass, recording 46 saves on 47 shots to help secure the victory. Boija finished with 20 saves for Maine, keeping the Black Bears competitive throughout the matchup.
The loss moved Maine to 4-5-0 overall and 0-3-0 in Hockey East play, while UMass improved to 5-4-1 overall and 2-0-0 in conference competition. The Black Bears have now dropped three consecutive games and continue searching for their first Hockey East win of the season.
