The University of Maine women’s hockey team opened its Hockey East schedule against Providence on Friday evening, dropping a 3-1 decision at home at Alfond Arena. Both the Maine men’s and women’s squads suffered defeats in their respective league openers on the same night.
Early Deficit Sets the Tone in Orono
Providence established control early in the contest. The visitors opened the scoring in the first period when Audrey Knapp converted on a five-on-three power play at the 9:26 mark, giving the Friars a 1-0 advantage. Early in the second period, Sami Snyder extended that lead to 2-0 just 1:40 into the frame.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Maine mounted a strong push in the second period, outshooting Providence 12-5. However, the Providence defense managed to keep the Black Bears off the scoreboard through forty minutes of play.
Special Teams and Statistical Battle
Maine finally broke through early in the third period. Gracie Hanson capitalized on a power play at 3:14, netting her first goal of the season. Sade Sandilands and Julie Jebousková picked up the assists on the play, narrowing the margin to 2-1.
The Black Bears controlled large portions of the game’s physical and territorial play. Maine outshot Providence 36-21 and won the face-off battle 35-19. Hanson proved particularly dominant on the dot, winning 17 of her 20 face-offs, while teammate Mikayla Boarder led the Black Bears with six shots on goal. On special teams, Maine finished 1-for-4 with the man advantage.
Providence sealed the game at the 13:03 mark of the third period when Cameryn Shiels scored at even strength, adding crucial insurance to secure the 3-1 final score.
Standings and Saturday Rematch
With the result, Maine falls to 3-6-0 overall and 0-1-0 in Hockey East play, while Providence improves to 4-5-0 overall and 2-1-0 in the conference. Kiia Lahtinen finished the night with 18 saves for the Black Bears.
The two teams return to the ice on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, to wrap up their weekend Hockey East series in Orono.
