The Lindenwood University men’s hockey team ended 2025 on a tough note, losing 7-2 to the No. 15 ranked University of Maine Black Bears on Sunday afternoon in Orono. This defeat completed a weekend sweep for Maine, following a 5-0 shutout on Saturday, as Lindenwood struggled to match the Black Bears’ offensive surge and defensive strength.
Weekend Series Breakdown
Lindenwood entered the series with an 8-6-0 record, fresh off a bye week, hoping to challenge the ranked Maine team in their Hockey East conference home. The Lions showed flashes of potential but could not sustain momentum against a Maine squad that improved to 11-7-1 overall.
Saturday’s opener saw Maine dominate from the start, scoring five goals while shutting out Lindenwood. The Black Bears built an early lead with quick strikes and maintained control throughout. Lindenwood managed only limited shots on goal, unable to break through Maine’s goaltender Albin Boija, who earned his third shutout of the season.
Sunday’s game started competitively, with Maine taking a 1-0 lead just 90 seconds in via Justin Poirier’s goal. Lindenwood tied it early in the second period, but Maine responded with six unanswered goals to pull away. The Lions added a late goal, but it was not enough to shift the outcome.
Standout Plays and Scorers
Key moments defined the series, highlighting Maine’s speed and Lindenwood’s resilience in patches. On Sunday, Michael Bevilacqua’s equalizer for Lindenwood came just 22 seconds into the second period, assisted by Charles Savoie and Giovanni Morneau, briefly energizing the team.
Maine’s response was swift. Owen Fowler scored shorthanded, followed by tallies from Thomas Pichette and others, building a commanding lead. Justin Poirier shone again, netting two goals in the finale to reach 17 for the season, a mark that places him among the top scorers in college hockey this year.
Lindenwood’s Jacob Fletcher provided a highlight in the third period with a deflection goal, assisted by Louis-Philippe Fontaine and Jake Southgate. Despite these efforts, the Lions faced challenges in generating consistent offense, a trend seen in recent road games.
- Early Maine goal: Justin Poirier struck at 1:28 in the first period of Sunday’s game.
- Lindenwood tie: Michael Bevilacqua’s quick second-period score evened things at 1-1.
- Maine surge: Three goals in the second period, including a shorthanded one, shifted momentum.
- Late response: Jacob Fletcher’s deflection cut the deficit but came too late.
Team Statistics and Insights
Both games revealed statistical edges for Maine, who outshot Lindenwood significantly. In the series, Maine tallied 12 goals while allowing just two, showcasing their balanced attack and solid goaltending.
Lindenwood’s power play struggled, going 0-for-4 across the weekend, while Maine capitalized on shorthanded opportunities. The Lions’ defense held firm at times but allowed bursts of scoring that proved costly.
| Statistic | Lindenwood (Series Total) | Maine (Series Total) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 2 | 12 |
| Shots on Goal | 48 | 78 |
| Power Play Efficiency | 0/4 (0%) | 0/3 (0%) |
| Saves | 66 | 46 |
| Penalties | 6 minutes | 8 minutes |
These numbers underline Maine’s dominance, with higher shot volume and better conversion rates. For Lindenwood, improving shot quality and special teams could be key focus areas moving forward, especially as they face a lighter schedule post-break.
Season Context and Challenges
This sweep drops Lindenwood to 8-8-0, placing them in a middling spot in independent college hockey standings as they lack a conference affiliation. Maine, part of Hockey East, uses this win to build momentum before their holiday break, sitting at 6-5-0 in conference play.
Recent trends show Lindenwood has pulled off upsets earlier in the season, like a stunning road win over then-No. 9 Wisconsin in October 2024 and a comeback victory against Notre Dame in January 2025. However, road series against ranked teams have exposed vulnerabilities in depth and consistency.
Maine’s offensive explosion aligns with their recent form, scoring 17 goals over their last three games. College hockey analysts note that such performances boost Maine’s chances for an NCAA tournament berth, a goal they missed last season.
Looking Ahead for Lindenwood
With the calendar turning to 2026, Lindenwood aims to rebound at home against Canisius University. The series starts January 2 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a January 3 matchup at 3:30 p.m. These games offer a chance to regain footing before tougher tests.
Coaches and players will likely review film to address defensive lapses and boost scoring. Fans remain optimistic, given the team’s mix of veterans and promising freshmen like Fletcher.
