BOSTON – The University of Maine men's hockey team secured its sixth Hockey East Tournament title with a commanding 5-2 victory over UConn at TD Garden on March 21, 2025. The Black Bears showcased their strength in the first period, taking a 2-0 lead thanks to quick strikes from Lynden Breen and Josh Nadeau, who scored just minutes apart. Harrison Scott then extended the lead to 3-0 late in the second period, solidifying Maine's dominance.
UConn managed to break the ice early in the third period, netting their first goal. However, the Black Bears responded decisively with a goal from Taylor Makar, further increasing their lead to 4-1. Despite another UConn goal with five minutes remaining, Makar sealed the win with an empty net goal, concluding the game at 5-2 in favor of Maine.
In an impressive show of skill, Maine's goaltender Albin Boija recorded 27 saves, solidifying his performance with a season record of 22-7-5 and being named the William Flynn Tournament MVP. This monumental victory marked Maine's first Hockey East championship appearance since 2012 and brought the team's overall record in the tournament to 60-48, with six championship titles to their name.
On the flip side, UConn's season concluded with a record of 22-11-4, and they now turn their focus on awaiting their NCAA tournament selections. Tabor Heaslip stood out for UConn, scoring both goals for the Huskies, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Maine's early lead.
Maine's achievement is particularly notable as they are the first team not from Massachusetts to clinch the Hockey East Tournament since 2004. The Black Bears' record against UConn now stands at 9-15-5, making this their first-ever playoff meeting.
As the hockey community turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament, Maine will await the announcement of its regional location and seeding during the selection show scheduled for March 22, 2025, at 3 p.m. on ESPNU.
This year’s Hockey East Championship game drew considerable excitement, showcasing not just the prowess of the players but the fierce rivalry inherent in college hockey. Both teams displayed commendable defensive skills throughout the contest, with the game’s final score truly reflecting Maine's offensive success as they efficiently capitalized on critical moments.
As fans and players celebrate Maine’s victory, they also look forward to icing another chapter in an exciting NCAA Tournament – where anything can happen and underdogs often rise to the occasion. The Black Bears' history and determination show they are poised for a thrilling next chapter.
With UConn also readying for NCAA challenges, both teams have laid the groundwork for what promises to be a riveting postseason, capturing the spirit of competition that embodies college hockey.
