ORONO — When both teams score within the first minute of a hockey game, it often foreshadows an exciting, high-scoring affair. That was certainly the case Saturday at Alfond Arena, where the University of Maine Black Bears exploded for a season-high eight goals to outlast Boston University 8-5, completing a weekend sweep.
“I don’t know how often we want to get into an 8-5 game with them, but we obviously ended up on the right side of it, so it’s good,” Maine coach Ben Barr said.
The two teams combined for a whopping 77 shots on goal, with Maine firing 46 shots, improving their record to 5-2-1 overall and 2-0 in Hockey East play. Boston University (3-5-1, 1-3) struck first as Ben Merrill scored just 36 seconds into the game. However, Maine quickly responded 23 seconds later when Charlie Russell netted the first of his two goals and his first of the season.
“To be honest with you, I don’t think I’ve played bad hockey. Sometimes pucks go in and sometimes they don’t,” said Russell, who also contributed an assist. “This year, I didn’t like my first game of the year. That’s the only one I really want back.”
Jeremy Langlois and Owen Fowler each tallied goals in the first period, pushing Maine ahead 3-1 and forcing Boston University’s starting goalie, Mikhail Yegorov, out of the game after surrendering three goals on eight shots. Max Lacroix took over goaltending duties for BU and made 33 saves throughout the game.
Maine’s Max Scott also made a significant impact, scoring two goals and adding an assist. Justin Poirier contributed a goal and an assist as well, including a remarkable backhand shot while facing away from the net and under pressure from Terriers defenders. Poirier’s goal at 10:07 of the second period extended Maine’s lead to 4-2.
Brandon Holt was instrumental in setting up goals, recording three assists, while Lucas Peterson added two assists. Boston University’s Brandon Svoboda countered with two goals and two assists of his own.
In net for the Black Bears, Mathis Rousseau earned his first collegiate win by stopping 26 shots.
“I think we took a step this weekend. I think we still have a long ways to go,” Russell said, reflecting on the team’s performance.
Westbrook native Carter Amico returned to Maine this season as a first-year defenseman for Boston University. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 218 pounds, Amico skated alongside fellow freshman Charlie Trethewey in both games.
“It was not the first Alfond experience I wanted, but it was a good atmosphere tonight,” Amico said following BU’s 5-4 overtime loss on Friday night.
Amico was selected in the second round, 38th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers during the NHL draft in June. After spending the last two years with the U.S. National Development Team, he missed most of last season due to a broken kneecap.
BU coach Jay Pandolfo acknowledged that Amico still shows some rust, particularly regarding timing and adjusting to the pace of college hockey—a normal part of the transition, especially after a significant injury.
“Obviously, coming off a pretty significant injury and not really playing since, basically for a year, that’s a big step coming into college hockey,” Pandolfo said. “If you’re healthy and feeling great as a defenseman coming into college hockey, there’s going to be an adjustment period. He’s got a good attitude, and he works.”
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/11/01/maine-outscores-bu-to-take-sweep/
