The University of Maine Men's Hockey team concluded their series against the Providence Friars Saturday night at Schneider Arena.
 
The Friars came out flying in the first period, outshooting the Black Bears 15-3 in the first, but could only muster 1 goal by Anthony Florentino, assisted by Robbie Hennessey. Rob McGovern would make 14 stops in the frame, as Providence netminder Hayden Hawkey was a perfect 3 for 3.
 
The second period saw push back from the Black Bears, as they started to get more and more going in the offensive zone. Maine however, would land on the penalty kill that saw Brandon Duhaime receive a pass from Jacob Bryson which was hammered over top of McGovern and into the back of the net. Spenser Young would pick up a secondary assist on the play, leading to a 2-0 lead for the Friars.  At the 14:43 mark of the second period, Maine would finally be rewarded, as Blaine Byron would take a pass from Cam Brown, and drive hard to the net burying a shot over a sprawling Hawkey. Mark Hamilton would add a secondary assist on the play that cut the Friar lead to 2-1. After 5 minutes of back and forth hockey, the Friars would find themselves on the powerplay, with Anthony Florentino scoring his second of the night on assists from Bryan Lemos and Spenser Young. Maine would find itself in a 3-1 hole heading into the 3^rd period.
 
Maine came out with a fire in the 3^rd period, ready to turn the tables in their favor. Right off the opening faceoff, sophomore Brendan Robbins would make a hustle play through the neutral zone, causing the Providence defenseman to take a hooking penalty, denying Robbins the scoring chance. Robbins was rewarded with a penalty shot. Using his speed, he fired a shot between the legs of Hawkey, cutting the Friars' lead to 3-2. At the 5:47 mark of the 3^rd period, Providence was able to regain its two - goal advantage as Anthony Florentino scored his 3^rd of the night for his first career hat trick on assists from Brandon Duhaime and Jacob Bryson. Maine continued to battle for every inch of ice, and at the 15:43 mark of the period, Chase period would net his second goal in as many nights, hammering home a rebound opportunity out front of Hakwey. Nolan Vesey and Patrick Shea both picked up assists on the play, and cut the Friar lead to just 1. Maine would garner heavy pressure as they pulled McGovern the last minute of the game, however, Providence forward Erik Foley would score an empty net goal, ultimately sending the game to a 5-3 Loss for the Black Bears. Rob McGovern picked up 28 saves in the loss, moving to 9-11-3 on the year. Hawkey would pick up 23 saves in the win, moving to 16-8-4.
 
The Black Bears now look to Hockey East opponent Notre Dame as they welcome the Irish to the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland before completing their series in Alfond Arena. Tickets are available by calling 207-581-BEAR or skating over to goblackbears.com
 
-UMaine-