New Hampshire edges UMaine men’s hockey team in overtime

DURHAM, New Hampshire — The University of Maine men’s ice hockey team was defeated by New Hampshire, 3-2, in overtime Friday night in the Whittemore Center.

Ara Nazarian scored the game-winning goal for the Wildcats 1:01 into the overtime frame. Nazarian’s shot found its way through traffic and into the Maine net.

First Goal (1-0 UNH): UHN struck first when Ara Nazarian scored on a breakaway. Jackson Pierson drew the attention of the lone Maine defenseman and dished the puck off to an open Nazarian, who did not waste is opportunity. The Wildcats grabbed a 1-0 lead less than eight minutes into the game.

Second Goal (2-0 UNH): Charlie Kelleher extended the Wildcats’ lead to two when he found the back of the net early in the second period. Nazarian started the odd man rush with linemate Kelleher. The senior from Boxford, Massachusetts waited patiently until Kelleher was left unmarked. Once that happened, New Hampshire scored and padded their lead.

Third Goal (2-1 UNH): Emil Westerlund scored Maine’s first goal of the game when he found the back of the net with 8:14 to go in the third period. Brady Keeper found the wide open Westerlund who was streaking in from the far sided face-off circle. Jakub Sirota also assisted on the Westerlund goal.

Fourth Goal (2-2): Chase Pearson sent home a Sam Becker, blue line shot for the game tying goal. The captain fought his way to the front of the net to try and disrupt the UNH defense. Able to get his stick on the shot, Pearson tipped the puck past the Wildcats’ goaltender to send the game to overtime.

Fifth Goal (3-2 UNH): Ara Nazarian scored the game-winning goal for the Wildcats 1:01 into the overtime frame. Firing the puck through traffic, Nazarian’s shot found its way through traffic and into the Maine net. Despite the late comeback, the Black Bears were defeated by UNH, 3-2.

Notes: Jeremy Swayman finished with 36 saves, while Mike Robinson tallied 32 for UNH. Maine went 0-3 on the power play, as the Wildcats went scoreless on their three chances. The Black Bears blocked 12 shots on the night.

Next: The two teams will also do battle tomorrow, Feb. 2. Puck drop on NESN is scheduled for 7 p.m.