The University of Maine Black Bears ended their season and a hope for another Hockey East championship title on March 13. The opening round of the Men’s Hockey East tournament between the Boston College Eagles and the Black Bears took place at Conte Forum down in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where UMaine would unfortunately fall 5-0.
The Eagles kicked off the first period with a goal scored at 4:49 by second-year forward Teddy Stiga, assisted by first-year defenseman Luka Radivojevic and third-year defenseman Drew Fortescue. Another goal would come in for the Eagles just 39 seconds later at 5:28 of the opening period, scored by second-year forward and top Boston Bruins prospect James Hagens, assisted by senior defenseman Lukas Gustafsson.
The second period was scoreless for both teams, with Maine’s defense seeming to pull its weight more, and many important saves made by goalie Mathis Rousseau.
The third and final frame of this game was picked up again for the Eagles as they scored 1:34 into the period. The third goal was scored by fourth-year forward Oskar Jellvik, assisted by third-year forward Ryan Conmy. The last two goals of the game were empty-net goals. The first of the two empty netters was scored at 15:25 by second-year forward and Boston Bruins top prospect Dean Letourneau, assisted by Hagens. The final goal of the game and second empty netter was scored by Hagens, who racked up two goals and an assist in the game.
Maine was outshot 26-18 against the Eagles. First-year goaltender Rousseau stopped 18 out of 26 shots faced before being pulled in the third period. First-year goaltender Louka Cloutier of Boston College stood on his head with a shutout. The Black Bears won 20 faceoffs in comparison to Boston College’s 25 faceoffs. Boston College held its control over Maine for the entire game.
The quick pace was set early on with a quick goal, as well as Boston’s defense dominating, giving Maine no chance to set its own pace. Maine’s updated record against Boston is 57-76-11. In the Hockey East Division, Maine has 5 wins and 9 losses against the Eagles. Maine ends their season with a record of 18-14-3.
Boston College will advance to the Hockey East semi-finals on Friday, March 20, 2026, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The semi-finals will start at 4 p.m. The finals will be played on Saturday, March 21, also at the garden in Boston at 7 p.m.
Although this game would put an end to the defending Hockey East champions, the Black Bears had a tough season, often splitting weekends with other teams. This loss is not what UMaine fans and their team had hoped for. As devastating as this season- ending loss is, the Black Bears will look towards regrouping in the off-season and hopefully a comeback for the 26-27 season.
The 26-27 season will start back up in October, so fans will look toward a new year.
