NO. ANOVER, Mass. - Hugo Ollas made 33 saves and Matt Copponi scored the lone goal as the Merrimack Warriors men's ice hockey team made it four wins in a row as they defeated the University of Maine Black Bears by score score of 1-0 on Friday afternoon at Lawler Rink.
Merrimack (7-3-0, 5-1-0): 1 Maine (2-7-1, 0-4-1): 0
Attendance: 2,186
The Warriors got off to the right start as they scored first in a game for the fifth time this season, Slava Demin forced the neutral zone turnover and swung the puck to Alex Jefferies who took it to the net and placed the initial shot on that was eventually put home on the rebound by Matt Copponi for his third goal of the season and the eventual game winning tally.
in the second period, both teams had multiple chances both in the scoring opportunity department and on special-teams but both goaltenders and defenses were up to the challenge and the period was scoreless.
In the third period, and with Maine looking to pushfor the tying goal it was Hugo Ollas who stepped up to the plate then locked down the Black Bears making 18 saves in the period bringing his save total to 33 on the night. Hugo was even close to scoring his first collegiate goal in his career. With an empty net on the other end, he settled down the puck in front of his crease and took a shot that was denied by a Maine high stick which stopped play. Maine had one more chance but Hugo denied them one more time to finish out the game and to capture his first shutout of the season.
Notes and Numbers
Merrimack is now 5-0 when scoring first and 5-1 on home ice.
Alex Jefferies has recorded at least one point in 8 of 10 games this year.
All three of Matt Copponi's goals this year have either tied the game or been the eventual game winner for the Warriors.
Two of the three shutouts in Hugo Ollas career have been against Maine.
Stats:
Shots: Merrimack: 23, Maine: 33, Faceoffs: Merrimack: 21, Maine: 38, Blocks: Merrimack: 9, Maine: 8
Up Next:
The Warriors are looking for their second straight weekend sweep as they take on the Maine Black Bears in the return matchup at home at Lawler Rink with puck drop set for 7 PM.
