Despite two goals late in regulation to tie the game, the Maine men’s hockey team got outlasted by Holy Cross 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts in the finale of a two game season opening non-conference series.
Matthew Kursonis had the games opening goal, beating Petter Wickström Stumer at 8:57 of the first period for the first lead of the weekend for the Crusaders. It was the Black Bears debut for Wickström Stumer in net. Maine had some good chances to tie it and Holy Cross also had opportunities to extend their lead in the second, but both goalies kept it 1-0 into the third. The hosts went up 2-0 with 6:55 left in regulation on a powerplay goal from Noah Eyre. The Bears rallied though, as Isa Parekh at even strength and Lee Parks on the powerplay just 1:06 apart at 16:33 and 17:39 respectively tied the score and sent it to overtime. It was the first career Maine goals for Parekh and Parks. Just 1:33 into the extra session on a delayed penalty against the Black Bears, Connor Welsh ended it on a shot from the right circle as the Crusaders salvaged a split of the series.
Owen Kim and William Elias both had two assists in the Holy Cross win. Danick Leroux made 26 saves. The Crusaders (1-1) went 1-5 on the powerplay. They’ll hit the road next weekend for a two game series at Arizona State. Lukas Peterson, Tanner Klimpke, and William Gerrior each had one assist for Maine (1-1). Wickström Stumer had 23 stops in net. The Black Bears would go 1-4 on their powerplay opportunities. They will now head back to Orono to get ready for their home openers next Friday and Saturday night against nationally ranked Quinnipiac. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. The Bobcats are off to a quick 2-0 start after 10-2 and 6-3 wins over UNH and Merrimack.
Photo is from UMaine Athletics
