The University of Maine Men's Hockey team traveled to Providence, Rhode Island for a key Hockey East matchup against the Providence College Friars. Both teams were riding the wave of a sweep heading into their matchup at Schneider Arena.
 
The first period saw both teams trade chances back and forth, however, neither squad could convert. Goaltender Rob McGovern was perfect between the pipes, stopping all 13 bids the Friars made at the net, while PC goalie Hayden Hawkey was a perfect 8 for 8.
 
Drama would open up the second period, as the Friars came down on a rush opportunity, as a scramble in front led to a puck sifting through McGovern's legs for which appeared to be the first goal of the night. However, upon review, the puck was kicked in, keeping the score knotted at 1 for the majority of the period. Providence sophomore, Erik Foley would open up the scoring as he drove wide, and to the far post. Using his speed he was able to beat McGovern giving the Friars a 1-0 lead heading into the 3^rd period. McGovern would make 14 saves in the second, while Hawkey remained perfect, stopping all 9 Maine shots.
 
The third period was all Maine to start as Maine first capitalized on the powerplay as freshman Patrick Holway fired an absolute missile short side over Hawkey, knotting the game at 1. Ryan Smith and Blaine Byron would both pick up assists on the play.  Less than a minute later, Chase Pearson would be johnny on the spot as Mark Hamilton fired a puck off the end wall, bouncing toward Pearson's stick on the opposite side of the net. Pearson was able to gather the puck, and sneak the puck short side, giving Maine a 2-1 lead. Rob Michel would add a secondary assist on the play. At 8:17 into the 3^rd, Providence forward Josh Wilkins would redirect a Brian Pinho shot passed McGovern, tying the game at 2. Heartbreak would strike the Black Bears as Jake Walman was able to score a powerplay goal on assists from Jacob Bryson and Erik Foley. Maine would be relentless with the extra attacker for the final minutes of the frame, but couldn't solve Hawkey one last time, dropping the contest 3-2. Rob McGovern would make 33 saves in the loss while Hawkey would pick up 29 assists for the win.
 
Providence and Maine will battle again tomorrow night in their series finale at Schneider Arena.
 
-UMaine-