Preview

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats head to Orono after a weekend split against Vermont and UMass Lowell. On Sunday the Wildcats snapped their four-game losing streak against No. 13 UMass Lowell. With that win, UNH moved up to eighth in Hockey East standings, passing Boston College and moving into a position where they would host a home playoff game. 

The Black Bears come into the weekend sporting the worst record in Hockey East (5-17-4), sitting 10 points behind UNH. This is the first matchup between the Black Bears and the Wildcats this year, and despite Maine’s record, they’ve won four out of their five wins at home. 

Friday, Feb. 18, 2022

University of New Hampshire Wildcats (13-14-1, 7-11-1) at University of Maine Black Bears (5-17-4, 3-13-2)

When: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Harold Alfond Sports Arena, Orono, Maine.

Watch: NESN 

Listen: 103.9 FM, 101.3 FM, 95.1 FM, 100.5 FM, 1450 AM, 1310 AM

Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022

University of New Hampshire Wildcats (13-14-1, 7-11-1) at University of Maine Black Bears (5-17-4, 3-13-2)

When: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Harold Alfond Sports Arena, Orono, Maine.

Watch: College Sports Live

Listen: 103.9 FM, 101.3 FM, 95.1 FM, 100.5 FM, 1450 AM, 1310 AM

UNH lines vs. No. 13 UMass Lowell (Feb. 18)

Forwards

#26 Liam Devlin, #11 Jackson Pierson, #24 Robert Cronin

#14 Tyler Ward, #16 Filip Engarås, #13 Nick Cafarelli 

#29 Joseph Cipollone, #15 Chase Stevenson, #19 Eric MacAdams  

 #6 Lucas Herrmann, #18 Harrison Blaisdell, #12 Eric Espoito 

Defensemen

#3 Ryan Verrier, #27 Luke Reid

#5 Will MacKinnon, #8 Nikolai Jenson

#10 Kalle Eriksson, #20 Colton Huard

#28 Alex Gagne

Goaltenders

#31 Mike Robinson, #41 David Fessenden, #1 Jeremy Forman 

Key Players

UNH senior goaltender Mike Robinson is coming off a weekend where he was named Hockey East Goaltender of the Week, after he allowed just three goals in two games, including a shutout against No. 13 UMass Lowell at the Whittemore Center on Sunday. Robinson comes into the game sporting a record of 11-10-2, a .917 save percentage, and a 2.25 goals-against-average.  

On the other end of the ice, Maine sophomore Breen Lynden enters the game as the Black Bears’ leading scorer. Despite the team high total in points, Lynden has struggled of late only registering one point in his last eight games.

Series History

All-Time: Maine leads series 69-61-11

At Alfond Area: Maine leads series 40-18-7

Last Matchup: UNH defeated Maine 7-2 in Orono Maine (HE Opening Round 3/10/21)

Photo courtesy of Michelle Bronner