UMaine ties Providence

SPENCER ABBOTT CONTINUES HOT STREAK (PHOTO JEFF SCHOOLS)

Spencer Abbott (Hamilton, Ontario) had two goals and an assist as the University of Maine men’s ice hockey team skated to a 3-3 tie with Providence on Friday night at Schneider Arena. The Black Bears scored what would have been
the game-winner as the final buzzer sounded, but it was ruled that time had just expired. Maine moves to 6-3-4 on the season and 4-2-2 in Hockey East play. Providence sees its record move to 6-5-4 on the campaign and 3-3-4 in conference play.

Maine opened the scoring just 45 seconds into the game. Brice O’Connor (Londonderry, N.H.) carried the puck into the offensive zone. He got the puck to Robby Dee (Plymouth, Minn.), who was able to find Spencer Abbott stationed at the left post.
Abbott beat Friar goalie Alex Beaudry for his ninth goal of the season. It was the first career point for O’Connor, who was playing against his older brother, Ian, for the first time.

Providence knotted the score at 1-1 at 1:03. Kyle MacKinnon was able to beat Maine goalie Shawn Sirman (Blezard Valley, Ontario) on a rebound. Ian O’Connor and Kevin Hart each assisted on the goal which tied the game.

Maine took the lead back at 12:28 when Mark Nemec (Rouses Point, N.Y.) made an outstanding pass to Abbott, who had beaten the Providence defenders. Abbott then beat Beaudry for his second goal of the game and 10th of the season. Ryan Hegarty
(Arlington, Mass.) also assisted on the goal for the Black Bears.

Providence tied the game back up at 2-2 at 15:49 with a goal from Alex Velischek on a shot from just outside the left face-off circle. Andy Balysky and Tim Schaller each also assisted on the goal for the Friars.

Maine grabbed the lead back again 1:13 into the second period when Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) stuffed the puck past Beaudry. Abbott got the puck to Dee behind the net, who was able to find Diamond, who picked up his seventh goal of the season.

Providence tied the game at with a short-handed goal at 15:10 of the third period by Chris Rooney. He was able to get a step on the Maine defense and break in alone on Sirman.

Maine goalie Shawn Sirman made 35 saves in goal for the Black Bears. He moves to 2-0-2 on the season. Beaudry stopped 36 shots for the Friars. He moves to 5-5-4.

Maine outshot Providence 39-38 in the game, including a 7-2 edge in overtime.

The two teams return to action on Saturday, Dec. 4 when they face each other once again at Schneider Arena in Providence. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM.

--UM COMMUNICATIONS--