THREE-GOAL THIRD LIFTS MAINE PAST NORTHEASTERN, 3-1
Freshman defenseman Ben Hutton scores game-winner for Black Bears

Senior Kyle Beattie scored a goal for the Black Bears

ORONO, Me. - Ben Hutton (Prescott, Ontario) scored the eventual game-winning goal at 10:28 of the third period as the University of Maine men's ice hockey team defeated Northeastern 3-1 on Friday night. Senior Joey Diamond (Long Beach, N.Y.) assisted on an empty-net goal with 1:00 remaining in regulation to reach the 100-point milestone.

The two teams skated through a scoreless first period, with Maine holding a 13-8 edge in shots on goal.

Northeastern took a 1-0 lead at 1:20 of the second period. Mike McMurty gained control of the puck along the boards in the defensive zone. He then found Braden Pimm who skated the puck up the ice in transition, before passing to Vinny Saponari. Saponari fired a shot that beat Maine goalie Martin Ouellette (St.-Hippolyte, Quebec) stick side. For Saponari, it was his seventh goal of the season.

Maine tied the game at 6:30 of the third period. Kyle Beattie (Avondale, Ariz.) received a pass from Mark Nemec (Rouses Point, N.Y.) and skated up the right win. He has his shot beat Northeatern goalie Chris Rawlings. It was the fifth goal of the season for Beattie.

Maine took the lead at 10:28 when Hutton fired home the rebound of a Jon Swavely (Reading, Pa.) shot. For Hutton, it was his fourth goal of the season.

Maine iced the game at 19:00 of the third period. Joey Diamond stole the puck from a Northeastern defender and fed Mark Anthoine (Lewiston, Maine) in the left face-off circle. He fired the puck into the empty net for his fourth goal of the season.

Maine outshot Northeastern 34-20 in the game. The Black Bears were scoreless in four power play chances, while Northeastern finished 0-for-2.

Maine improves to 10-17-6 on the season and 6-12-6 in Hockey East play. Northeastern falls to 9-19-3, 5-16-3 in conference play.

Maine goalie Ouellette made 19 saves in goal. He improves to 8-10-6 on the season. Chris Rawlings made 31 saves for Northeastern and falls to 8-12-1.

The two teams conclude their Hockey East weekend series on Saturday, March 2. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM. Maine will honor its seven seniors before and after the game.