The Maine mens hockey team got goals from three different players in a three goal second period Tuesday night, leading them to a 3-1 Hockey East victory over UMass at Alfond Arena in Orono. It was the first home game for Maine since a 6-2 win over Vermont back on December 2.
After a slow scoreless first period in which UMass controlled the action by outshooting Maine 12-4, the Bears finally broke through in the second. Canon Pieper got it going with his third goal of the year at 2:35. Just 3:42 later, Peter Housakos also netted his third to make it 2-0. Emil Westurland put a good strangle hold on the Minutemen, by making it 3-0 with his fifth of the year at 15:53.
UMass did get on the board late in the game with 25 seconds left after they pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. Jake Gaudet got his fifth of the year to finish off the scoring. Ryan Wischow made 17 saves in the Minutemen goal. UMass drops to 10-10-1, 4-6-1 in Hockey East.
Chase Pearson added two assists for the 12-9-2 Black Bears, who also get back to .500 in Hockey East play at 6-6-1. Jeremy Swayman made 34 saves in net. Maine was 0-4 on the powerplay, while UMass was 0-6.
Maine will host their rival from UNH Friday and Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. Friday and 7:30 Saturday.
