MAINE BLACK BEARS EDGED BY QUINNIPIAC BOBCATS, 2-1

Sophomore forward Devin Shore scored a shorthanded goal for the Black Bears

HAMDEN, Conn. - The University of Maine men's ice hockey team fell to eighth-ranked Quinnipiac 2-1 on Friday night at the TD Bank Sports Center in Hamden, Conn. Quinnipiac notched the game-winner with just 1:03 remaining in regulation. Maine falls to 10-7-2 on the season, while Quinnipiac improves to 15-3-4.

The two teams skated through a scoreless first period. Quinnipiac took a 1-0 lead at 2:09 of the second period. Kellen Jones stole the puck and had his initial shot saved by Maine goalie Martin Ouellette (St.-Hippolyte, Quebec), but the puck came right back to him and he fired it into the back of the net.

Maine tied the game with its seventh short-handed goal of the season at 9:55 of the second period. Connor Leen (Chester, N.Y.) and Devin Shore (Ajax, Ontario) teamed up on the play. Leen had the initial chance, but the was unable to get the shot off. He then found Shore in the right face-off circle who had his shot beat Quinnipiac goalie Michael Garteig for his ninth goal of the season. Shore extended his points streak to 10 games with the goal.

Jordan Samuels-Thomas notched the game-winner when he beat Ouellette with a shot that snuck just inside the left post at 18:57 of the third period. For Samuels-Thomas, it was his ninth goal of the season. Dan Federico and Cory Hibbeler each assisted on the goal.

Maine outshot Quinnipiac 30-28 in the game. The Black Bears were 0-for-3 on the power play, while Quinnipiac also finished 0-for-3.

Ouellette made 26 saves in goal for the Black Bears and falls to 9-7-2. Garteig made 29 saves and improves to 15-3-4.

Maine returns to action when it faces Boston University at Fenway Park on Saturday, Jan. 11. Puck drop from the historic ballpark is scheduled for 6:30 PM.