Junior defenseman Frank Djurasevic scored an extra attacker goal with 2:27 left in the third period on Saturday night, as #15 Maine men’s hockey finished their weekend non-conference series with a 3-3 tie against #6 Denver at Magness Arena.
Will Gerrior got the scoring started on an assist from Brandon Chabrier at 4:09 of the first period to make it 1-0 Black Bears. Sam Harris evened it with a powerplay goal for the Pioneers at 12:27. Maine once again took a one goal lead when Charlie Russell found the back of the net on a 4 on 4 snipe unassisted at 11:35 of the second. It was the powerplay again for Denver that tied it back up, as Kyle Chyzowski made it 2-2 just over a minute after the Russell tally. Eric Pohlkamp gave the Pioneers their first lead of the weekend with a shot from the left circle that beat Albin Boija far post glove side 3:37 into the third period. Would be no quit in the Black Bears though, as they had several Grade A opportunities after the goal by Pohlkamp but couldn’t quite come through until late. Djurasevic got a pass at the left point from Lukas Peterson with Boija pulled for an extra attacker, and the one-timer found its way through traffic and into the net with a screen set in front by Jaden Lipinski at 17:33 to force overtime. Denver had the better chances and more puck possession in the 3 on 3 extra session, but neither team could come through as the game officially ended as a tie. They did have a shootout for fan enjoyment that has no bearing on the NPI rankings, and Maine won that 2-1.
Chyzowski and Pohlkamp both had a goal and assist for Denver, while Quentin Miller made 30 saves in net. The Pioneers went 2-5 on the powerplay and sees their record go to 12-7-2. Peterson and Owen Fowler both added an assist each for Maine, and Boija made 24 stops. The Black Bears went 0-3 on the powerplay, but was still able to extend their unbeaten streak to five games (4-0-1). A great weekend to start the second half now has Maine (12-7-2) at #21 in the most recent NPI rankings. Maine will now be in conference play for the remainder of the regular season, beginning next Friday and Saturday night when they travel to Rhode Island to take on Providence College. Friday’s game is at 7 p.m., while Saturday’s contest is set for 6 p.m.
Photos courtesy of UMaine Athletics and Eastern Maine Sports from games earlier this season
