It was a special day at Alfond Arena today as Maine wrapped the regular season with a weekend sweep against New Hampshire, 2-1. After the completion of the game, there was a special on-ice ceremony honoring the six seniors on the team; Danielle Ward (Lansing, Mich.), Ashley Norum (Fairbanks, Alaska), Myriam Croussette (Baie-Comeau, Quebec), Melissa Gagnon (St. Gilles, Quebec), Dominique Goutsis (Coquitlam, British Columbia), and Dawn Sullivan (Enfield, Nova Scotia). The players were met on the ice by their families and recognized for their dedication to the program.
With the win, the team wraps up the regular season with an overall record of 17-10-6, tying the mark for most wins in a season set in the 2005-06 season. Their conference record now stands at 11-8-2. The Wildcats fell to 10-21-3 overall and to 4-15-2 in Hockey East play. Scoring for the Black Bears was Kelly McDonald (Ancaster, Ontario) and Melissa Gagnon. Netminder Brittany Ott (St. Clair Shores, Mich.), made 25 saves on the day.
Kelly McDonald opened up the scoring for the Black Bears when she rifled a one-timer at New Hampshire goalie Jenn Gilligan, beating her above her blocker. It was McDonald's third goal of the season and came just 1:47 into the first period. The Wildcats responded with a goal of their own by Kristina Lavoie at 4:03, assisted by Brynja Bogan and Kailey Chappell. Lavoie received the puck and skated to the red-line and then turned around and put it away with her backhand. The score at the end of the first period would remain tied a 1-1.
Melissa Gagnon earned her second goal of the season at 10:35 of the second period, giving the Black Bears the lead, 2-1. Assisting Gagnon on the play was Danielle Ward, her 17th of the year, and Brittany Dougherty (Chesterfield, Mich.), also registering her 17th assist. At the end of the second period, the Black Bears led 2-1.
The third period saw nearly even statistics from both sides after New Hampshire registered seven shots, all of which were saved; and Maine taking six, all of which were saved by New Hampshire goalie Jenn Gilligan. At the end of three periods, Maine would edge New Hampshire, 2-1.
Brittany Ott earned her 13th victory in net for the Black Bears, making 25 saves on the 26 shots she faced. Her record stands at 13-9-3. Jenn Gilligan was credited with the loss after making 29 saves on 31 shots. Her record falls to 5-10-2. Maine went 0-for-1 on the power play while New Hampshire was 0-for-2.
The Black Bears will travel to Providence for a Hockey East quarterfinal playoff game next Saturday at 2 p.m.