ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The University of Maine men's ice hockey team saw its season come to a disappointing end on Friday night, falling to the Penn State Nittany Lions 5-1 in the NCAA Tournament Allentown Regional semifinal at the PPL Center. The defeat marked the conclusion of a strong season for the Black Bears, who finished with a record of 24-8-6, the most wins in a single season since 2005-06.
The game started on a high note for Maine, as they took an early 1-0 lead just under five minutes into the first period. Bodie Nobes scored his first career goal when his shot deflected up and over traffic in front of the net, finding its way past Penn State goalie Arsenii Sergeev at 4:08.
However, the Nittany Lions quickly responded, tying the game less than a minute later. Freshman forward JJ Wiebusch capitalized on a power play opportunity, burying a one-timer at 5:04 to level the score at 1-1. It was a crucial moment that shifted the momentum in favor of Penn State, as they went on to score two more goals before the first intermission, taking a commanding 3-1 lead.
Matt DiMarsico, who was instrumental in the Nittany Lions' attack, scored the second goal of the game at 14:26, firing a rising wrist shot over the glove of Maine's goalie Albin Boija. Dane Dowiak then added a power play goal at 18:08, extending the lead to two goals. Despite a challenge from Maine head coach Ben Barr regarding the offsides call, the goal was upheld after review.
As the second period unfolded, Penn State maintained control, outshooting Maine and keeping the pressure on. DiMarsico struck again at 5:41, making it 4-1 after a slick pass from behind the net by Charlie Cerrato. The Nittany Lions continued to dominate, effectively shutting down Maine's offense and preventing any comeback attempts.
Maine struggled to find its rhythm, and despite several attempts to rally, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. The Black Bears went 0-for-2 on the power play while Penn State converted 2 of their 5 chances, showcasing a stark contrast in efficiency.
In the final minutes, Dowiak sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 16:37 of the third period, bringing the score to 5-1. The Nittany Lions finished the game with a 34-26 advantage in shots on goal, demonstrating their offensive prowess throughout the matchup.
With this victory, Penn State advanced to the regional final, where they will face UConn, who defeated Quinnipiac 4-1 earlier in the day. The matchup is set for Sunday, March 30, 2025, at either 4:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. at the PPL Center, with a spot in the Frozen Four on the line.
This season has been a remarkable journey for Penn State, who at one point found themselves at the bottom of the Big Ten standings with a record of 0-8-1. However, they rallied with a 12-3-3 finish to earn their NCAA Tournament berth, and their confidence has been palpable throughout the postseason.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky praised his team's turnaround, stating, "We preach that give-them-nothing attitude." The Nittany Lions have been playing with a renewed vigor, and their performance against Maine was a testament to their hard work and determination.
Maine's season, while ending in disappointment, was still marked by significant achievements. Their record of 24 wins is the best since the 2005-06 season, and they captured their first Hockey East tournament title since 2004. The Black Bears will look to build on this success in the next season, aiming for another strong campaign.
As the NCAA Tournament continues, all eyes will be on Penn State as they seek their first-ever trip to the Frozen Four. The Nittany Lions have proven they can compete with the best, and with a passionate crowd behind them, they have a great chance to make history.
