The University of Maine men’s ice hockey team played a weekend series against Colgate at Alfond Arena, resulting in a split. On Friday, October 24, the Black Bears lost 3-2, despite a strong performance. Colgate scored first with a power-play goal from Jack Brandt, but Maine responded with goals from Oskar Komarov and Justin Poirier to take a 2-1 lead. However, Colgate tied the game in the second period and took the lead with a goal from Max Nagel, which proved to be the game-winner.
The following night, on Saturday, October 25, Maine came back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Colgate 3-2 in overtime. Colgate jumped out to an early lead with two goals from Brandt, but Maine answered in the second period with a power-play goal from Thomas Freel. The Black Bears tied the game in the third period with a goal from Poirier, and goaltender Albin Boija made key saves to send the game into overtime. In overtime, Max Scott scored his first goal as a Black Bear, capping off Maine’s comeback and securing a weekend split.
The series was marked by physical play, with multiple penalties called on both teams. Maine outshot Colgate in the third period on Friday but was unable to equalize. On Saturday, the Black Bears carried momentum into the third period and tied the game, setting up Scott’s overtime winner. The win improved Maine’s record to 2-2-1 on the season, and they will look to build on the momentum as they continue their homestand next weekend against Boston University.
The weekend split was a significant improvement for Maine, who showed resilience and determination in their comeback win on Saturday. The team’s ability to bounce back from a two-goal deficit and secure a win in overtime demonstrates their potential and sets them up for a strong season. With the win, Maine will look to carry momentum into their next series against Boston University, and the team will aim to build on their current record and make a push for a successful season.