The No. 9 University of Maine Black Bears (17-10-5) traveled down to Providence, Rhode Island on Saturday, Feb. 10 to take on the Providence College Friars (15-11-7). In a seemingly even match-up the game resulted in a tie, leaving the winner of the series to Sunday’s game.
This is the second tie that the Friars and Black Bears have had this season, with the previous one being Friday, Nov. 10 at the Alfond Arena. Last season, the two teams met three times, with the Friars coming out on top every game.
Both goals of the game happened in the first period within three minutes of each other. It was the Black Bears who were able to start the scoring off, just before the 15-minute mark. First-year defender Anna Zikova got the puck and passed it to second-year defender Ebba Strandberg, who was able to get it up the ice. Strandberg got it to fourth-year forward Catherine Tufts, who was able to net the puck. This was Tufts’ ninth goal of the season.
The Friars waited just two minutes before netting a goal of their own. First-year defender Ariane Julien scored an unassisted goal when she blocked a Black Bear shot and took the puck all the way to the other end, beating second-year goaltender Carly Jackson to net the goal. This is Julien’s first career goal, giving her 5 points on the season. This goal ended the scoring for the game, leaving it deadlocked at 1-1.
Providence just barely outshot the Black Bears 32-31. Leading the scoring for the Friars was first-year forward Maureen Murphy with eight shots on net, shooting four in the first period alone. Fourth-year forward Blair Parent had six shots on the game, followed by third-year defender Kate Friesen with four.
Leading the shooting for the Black Bears was Tufts with six shots on net, spread evenly throughout the game with two in each period. Second-year forward Tereza Vanisova came in next for the team with five shots on net, although four of them happened in the final stanza of play.
Two minutes into the second period of play Friars third-year goaltender Madison Myers reached a new career milestone, recording her 2,000th save. She is one of five Providence goaltenders to reach this mark in Providence Hockey history. Genevieve Lacasse, who currently plays for Canada’s national ice hockey team, was one of the past players to reach this milestone of 2,000 saves, recording 3,482 over her time at Providence.
Although both teams saw five power play opportunities, neither team was able to capitalize.
Black Bears fall to Providence in overtime
The Black Bears and Friars met for the second game of the series on Sunday at 2 p.m. Unfortunately for the Black Bears, the Friars were able to net a goal just under the 3-minute mark in overtime, giving them the 2-1 win on the night.
The Black Bears and Friars had two scoreless periods before the scoring picked up in the third period. The Black Bears started if off. Tufts once again was able to net the puck seven minutes into the period off an assist from third-year forward Cailey Hutchinson and fourth-year defender Mikayla Rogers. This was Tufts’ 10th goal of the season.
Providence countered this goal with one of their own six minutes later on their penalty kill after second-year defender Whitney Dove was sent to the penalty box for checking at the 12:29 mark. Murphy helped the Friars not only kill the penalty, but net the puck during this time. Her goal was unassisted.
It was Murphy who brought the game home for the Friars as well, scoring again 2:57 into overtime. This goal was also an unassisted goal, giving her 19 goals on the season and winning the weekend for the Friars.
Despite the loss, Maine outshot Providence 30-28. Leading shooters for the Black Bears were second-year forward Vendula Pribylova with five shots and third-year defender Alyson Matteau, Hutchinson and Tufts tying for second with four shots on net.
For the Friars, Murphy let the team in shots, with seven shots on the night. Second for the Friars was fourth-year forward Madison Sansone with five shots on net.
Jackson took the loss on the night, stopping 26 shots, seven in the first, 10 in the second, eight in the third and one in overtime. Myers took the win on the night, stopping 29 shots on net, five in the first, 18 in the second, six in the third and zero in overtime.
Ending this weekend series, the Black Bears will go into their final game of the regular season against Boston College. Puck-drop will be at 2 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 17 at the Alfond. The Friars have one final game of the season against Northeastern. They will play on Feb. 18 a 2 p.m. in Rhode Island.
