Three-Goal Third Period Sends Maine Past Massachusetts, 3-2
Sophomore forward Blaine Byron has goal and assist for Black Bears

Sophomore forward Blaine Byron had a goal and an assist for the Black Bears
Prd Time  Team Score Type Scored By Assists
2nd 14:31  UMA1-0 PP Dennis Kravchenko (3)Troy Power/3, Shane Walsh/3
2nd 15:34  UMA2-0 EV Frank Vatrano (1)Ray Pigozzi/4, Steven Iacobellis/4
3rd 7:04  MNE1-2 EV Devin Shore (3)Mark Hamilton/2, Blaine Byron/4
3rd 12:42  MNE2-2 EV Liam Pecararo (1)Steven Swavely/3, Nolan Vesey/3
3rd 18:37  MNE3-2 EV GW Blaine Byron (3)Conor Riley/4, Brian Morgan/3
Scoring 1st 2nd 3rd Final
Massachusetts  0202
Maine  0033
Shots on Goal 1st 2nd 3rd SOG
Massachusetts  188632
Maine  11121538
Team Stats and Records  PP PIM SHGF
Massachusetts (2-5-0)  1/3 2/4 0
Maine (3-4-1)  0/2 3/6 0
Massachusetts Goaltending MIN GA 1 2 3 Saves
Steve Mastalerz (L, 0-3-0)59:223 11121235
Empty Net0:380     
Maine Goaltending MIN GA 1 2 3 Saves
Sean Romeo (W, 1-2-0)59:482 186630
Empty Net0:120     

ORONO, Maine - Blaine Byron (Manotick, Ontario) broke a 2-2 tie with a goal at 18:37 of the third period to give the University of Maine a 3-2 win over UMass to complete the weekend sweep. Maine improves to 3-4-1 on the season with the victory and begins Hockey East play a perfect 2-0-0. It is the first time since the 2007-08 season that Maine has gotten out to a 2-0-0 start in league play.

UMass falls to 2-5-0 overall, 1-4-0 on Hockey East play.

After a scoreless first period, UMass opened the scoring with a power play goal at 14:31 of the second frame. Shane Walsh had an initial shot that Maine goalie Sean Romeo (Cary, N.C.) was able to stop, but he was unable to control the rebound. Troy Power tipped the puck to Dennis Kravchenko, who roofed the puck over Romeo from the top of the crease.

The Minutemen added to their lead just over a minute later. Ray Pigozzi found Frank Vatrao just above the face-off circle and his shot beat Romeo glove side.

Trailing 2-0 entering the third period, Maine got on the board with a goal by Devin Shore (Ajax, Ontario) at 7:04. Byron got the puck to Mark Hamilton (Winthrop, Mass.) on the blueline. Shore was able to tip Hamilton's shot past UMass goalie Steve Mastalerz.

Maine tied the game at 12:42. Liam Pecararo (Canton, Mass.) carried the puck from behind the net and into the slot before unleashing a shot that beat Mastalerz stick side. Steven Swavely (Reading, Pa.) and Nolan Vesey (North Reading, Mass.) each assisted on the goal, which tied the game at 2-2.

Byron then scored what proved to be the game-winner with just over a minute to play in regulation. Morgan, Friday night's hero, found Conor Riley (Massena, N.Y.) on the blueline. He had a shot that went just wide and the puck came to Byron on the extended goal line. With Mastalerz out of position, Byron shot the puck on net and it went just inside the far goal post. For Byron, it was his third goal of the season.

Maine finished the game with a 38-32 edge in shots on goal. The Black Bears were scoreless on two power play opportunities, while UMass converted on one of its three chances.

Maine rookie goalie Sean Romeo turned aside 30 shots en route to his first collegiate win. He improves to 1-2-0 on the season. Mastalerz made 35 saves and falls to 0-3-0.

Maine now hits the road for a pair of games at Vermont on Nov. 7 and 8. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM on Friday night.

NOTE: Skate with the Bears, which was scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 2, has been postponed due to predicted inclement weather. No makeup date has been announced.