The Maine men’s hockey team achieved a remarkable comeback, defeating UMass Lowell 6-5 in an overtime clash held in Lowell, Massachusetts. The victory was particularly significant as the Black Bears managed to recover from a three-goal deficit in the second period, showcasing their resilience and determination.
In a thrilling contest on March 10, 2024, Maine initially fell behind as UMass Lowell surged with five consecutive goals, turning a 3-0 deficit into a 5-3 lead. The River Hawks capitalized on the Black Bears’ early struggles, with Chris Delaney, Sean Kilcullen, and Dominic Payne scoring within a span of three minutes in the second period. UMass Lowell took control when Lee Parks found the net 1:25 into the third period, further extending their lead through Dillon Bentley later in the same period.
Despite the setbacks, Maine’s tenacity shone through as they rallied in the third period. William Gerrior initiated the comeback, scoring to narrow the gap. Shortly thereafter, Louic Usereau tied the game with 7:26 remaining, forcing the match into overtime.
The overtime session saw Max Scott emerge as the hero for Maine, scoring the decisive goal that sealed the victory. This triumph improved the Black Bears’ record to 14 wins, 9 losses, and 2 ties overall, with a conference record of 8-7 in Hockey East play.
Both teams displayed strong performances throughout the match, with Maine’s Albin Boija making 25 saves and UMass Lowell’s Samuel Richard stopping 32 shots. The intensity of the game and the dramatic shifts in momentum kept fans on the edge of their seats.
As the season progresses, this victory not only highlights Maine’s fighting spirit but also sets the stage for their upcoming challenges in the Hockey East conference. The Black Bears will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, while UMass Lowell will aim to regroup and find their rhythm moving forward.
