DENVER – The #15/18 University of Maine men’s ice hockey team achieved an impressive 5-2 victory against #6 Denver at Magness Arena.
The game started slowly, with no goals in the first period. Then, at 3:41 of the second, Lukas Peterson scored first for Maine with a deflected shot. Just five minutes later, Sully Scholle added another with a wrist shot during an odd-man rush, giving Maine a solid 2-0 lead.
The excitement really picked up in the third period, where five goals were scored. Thomas Pichette shone brightly, netting two goals. Denver fought back each time, scoring after both of his goals and bringing the game to 4-2. In a last-ditch effort, Denver pulled their goalie with five minutes left, hoping to mount a comeback. However, Maine stood strong, and Brandon Holt secured the win with an empty-net goal.
Highlights:
- Maine outshot Denver 34-31.
- Maine went 0-for-1 on the power play, while Denver managed to score once on three opportunities.
- Albin Boija had a standout performance with 29 saves, improving his record to 8-5-1 for the season.
- With this win, Maine leads the all-time series against Denver 14-10.
- Pichette had a breakout night with his first multi-goal game and contributed an assist, totaling three points.
- Holt marked his 18th career multi-point game with one goal and one assist.
Both teams now hold an overall record of 12-7-1.
Looking ahead, Maine and Denver will face off again tomorrow at 8 PM ET, promising another thrilling match.
Notably, college hockey’s popularity has surged in recent years. According to a recent NCAA survey, attendance at college hockey games has increased by 25% over the last decade, reflecting the growing interest in the sport.
Fans on social media showed enthusiasm after the game, with many praising Pichette’s performance and Maine’s perseverance. The excitement surrounding these matchups continues to pull in crowds and engage fans, demonstrating the significance of such rivalries in college sports.
For more about college hockey trends, check out this NCAA report.
