MAINE DEFEATED BY QUINNIPIAC, 2-1

Junior forward Jon Swavely had an assist for the Black Bears

ORONO, Maine --Despite a goal from rookie Steven Swavely (Reading, Pa.), the University of Maine men's ice hockey team dropped its season-opener 2-1 to Quinnipiac on Saturday night at Alfond Arena. It was the first game of the 2012-2013 season for both squads.

Just 3:41 into the game older brother Jon Swavely (Reading, Pa.) won a face-off back to Steven. The younger Swavely skated to the slot and fired a pass by Quinnipiac goaltender Eric Hartzell for his first collegiate goal. Despite outshooting the Bobcats 12-3 in the frame, Maine could not extend its lead.

Quinnipiac scored the lone goal of the second period when Jeremy Langlois had his initial shot saved, but puck went to Travis St. Denis just outside the crease. He redirected the puck past Maine goalie Dan Sullivan (York, Pa.) to knot the score at 1-1, which was where it would remain for the next 36 minutes.

With less than two minutes left in the game, Langlois won a faceoff back to Jordan Samuels-Thomas who wristed a shot that found the back of the net.

Despite pulling Sullivan, Maine was unable to get the equalizer and fell 2-1. The Black Bears finished with a 32-18 edge in shots on goal.

Sullivan made 16 save in goal for the Black Bears and falls to 0-1-0. Hartzell stopped 31 shots for the Bobcats and improves to 1-0-0 on the season.

Five Maine rookies made their debut in the game for the Black Bears. Senior captain Mark Nemec (Rouses Points, N.Y.) saw action in his 100th career game. Brothers Jon and Steven Swavely skated on a line together.

Maine hits the ice on Sunday, Oct. 7 when it hosts New Brunswick for an exhibition game at 4 pm at Alfond Arena.