UMaine men’s hockey earns split with Quinnipiac

Black Bears Secure First Win over Quinnipiac in 5‑3 Victory

UMaine’s men’s hockey team ended a two‑game skid by defeating the sixth‑ranked Quinnipiac Bobcats 5‑3 at the Costello Athletic Complex in Orono, Saturday night. The win gives the Black Bears a 2‑2 record on the season and hands Quinnipiac its first loss.

Maine’s offense exploded early, with Loic Usereau and Samuel Alfano scoring in the first period. The pair put the Black Bears ahead, and the game stayed tight for most of the opening frame. In the second period, Quinnipiac cut the lead to 3‑2 when Mason Marcellus scored just 1 minute and 4 seconds in. Two minutes later, Isa Parekh answered for the Bobcats, tying the game at 3‑3.

The game was decided by a second‑period goal from Lee Parks. After Max Scott stole the puck in the Bobcats’ zone, he passed to Will Gerrior, who in turn fed Parks. The Black Bears’ center, unmarked, slotted the puck into the net at 6 minutes and 7 seconds, giving Maine a 4‑3 advantage that would prove decisive.

Maine’s defense held strong for the remainder of the night. Sully Scholle capped the effort with an empty‑netter in the final 1 minute and 49 seconds, extending the lead to 5‑3. Black Bears goaltender Albin Boija made 20 saves to preserve the victory.

The loss snapped Quinnipiac’s undefeated streak; the Bobcats fall to 3‑1. The game is part of a nonconference schedule that will shape both teams’ standings as they head into conference play.

UMaine will look to carry this momentum forward as it prepares to face conference opponents later this week. The win, while modest in the context of a larger season, marks a critical step for the Black Bears as they aim to improve their record and establish themselves as contenders in the America East Conference.