MAINE CAPTURES FLORIDA COLLEGE CLASSIC WITH 3-2 WIN OVER COLORADO COLLEGE
Tanner House scores two goals in title game - Goaltender Scott Darling Named Tournament MVP

Maine's Scott Darling made 30 saves in the title game

ESTERO, Fla. -- Brett Carriere (Ottawa, Ontario) and Tanner House (Cochrane, Alberta) each scored third period goals as the University of Maine men's ice hockey team defeated #3 Colorado College 3-2 on Wednesday night to win the Florida College Classic. The Black Bears move to 10-7-2 on the season, while Colorado College falls to 12-5-3. With the win, Maine extends its unbeaten streak to eight games.

The Black Bears took a 1-0 lead 10:37 into the opening frame. Josh Van Dyk (Woodstock, Ontario) dug the puck out along the boards and chipped it up to Gustav Nyquist (Malmo, Sweden). Nyquist skated through the neutral zone, making a cross ice pass to Tanner House in the slot. House ripped a shot past Colorado College goalie Joe Howe. For House, it was his eighth goal of the season. The Black Bears held the lead the remainder of the first period.

Colorado College tied the game at 1-1 just 1:07 into the second period. David Civitarese beat Maine goalie Scott Darling (Lemont, Ill.) with a shot from the right face-off circle. Mike Testwuide assisted on the goal for the Tigers. Colorado College took a 2-1 lead at 9:08. Bill Sweatt carried the puck into the Maine zone and drew Darling and the defense to him. He then slid the puck to a wide-open Andrew Hamburg, who shot it into the net before Darling had the chance to recover.

Maine tied the game at 2-2 when Van Dyk fed Carriere on a breakaway. He rifled a shot past Tiger netminder Howe to knot the score. For Carriere, it was his second goal of the season.

At 10:16 of the third period, Colorado College was whistled for two penalties, giving Maine a 5-on-3 advantage for two minutes. House was able to get the game-winner on the power play from Jeff Dimmen (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Nyquist at 11:54. For House, it was his second goal of the game and ninth of the season.

Colorado College pulled Howe in favor of an extra attacker and drew a penalty in the final minute, but the Black Bears held the lead to earn the 3-2 victory.

Colorado College finished the game with a 32-25 advantage in shots on goal. The Black Bears were 1-for-4 on the power play in the game and took over the national lead, scoring at a 29.8 percent clip on with the man-advantage. Maine held Colorado College scoreless in six power play opportunities.

Maine goalie Scott Darling finished the game with 30 saves. He improves to 10-3-2 on the season. Howe stopped 22 shots for Colorado College. He falls to 11-4-3.

Maine's Tanner House and Gustav Nyquist each earned a spot on the 2009 Florida College Classic All-Tournament team, while goalie Scott Darling was named the Shawn Walsh Most Valuable Player.

Maine returns to action on Saturday, January 2, 2010 when it hosts New Brunswick for an exhibition game at 7 PM at Alfond Arena. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the door.