The University of Maine women’s hockey team opened its Hockey East schedule with a tough 3-1 defeat against Providence at Alfond Arena on Friday, October 30, 2026. Despite outshooting their opponents by a wide margin, the Black Bears could not overcome a two-goal deficit built by the Friars over the opening two periods.
The loss drops Maine to 3-6-0 overall and 0-1-0 in Hockey East play, while Providence improves to 4-5-0 overall and 2-1-0 in the conference. The Friday night matchup served as the opening game of a weekend series in Orono, setting up an immediate chance for redemption on the home ice.
Providence established control early when Audrey Knapp opened the scoring during a 5-on-3 power play in the first period. The Friars extended their advantage to 2-0 early in the second period when Sami Snyder netted the game-winning goal just 1:40 into the frame.
Black Bears Power Play Response
Maine fought back in the third period when Gracie Hanson found the back of the net on a power play at 3:14. Sade Sandilands and Julie Jebousková earned the assists on the play. The strike cut the deficit to 2-1 and offered a brief window for a comeback.
Women's Hockey Defeats Maine On The Road, 3-1: https://t.co/TDAY3O55io#GoFriars
Any hopes of a full rally were quieted later in the period. Cameryn Shiels added an even-strength insurance goal for Providence at 13:03 of the third, sealing the 3-1 final score.
Special Teams and Statistical Breakdown
Both squads struggled to capitalize fully with the man advantage, finishing identical 1-for-4 marks on the power play. However, the Black Bears controlled the flow of play for large stretches, outshooting the Friars 36-21 overall. Maine also held a dominant edge in the face-off circle, winning 35 draws to Providence’s 19, with Hanson securing 17 wins out of 20 attempts.
In the net, goaltender Kiia Lahtinen turned aside 18 shots for the Black Bears, while Mikayla Boarder led the offensive attack with six shots on goal.
Series Finale at Alfond Arena
The quick turnaround brings both teams back to the ice for the conclusion of their weekend series. The puck drops for the Saturday afternoon finale at 2 p.m. at Alfond Arena, giving Maine an immediate opportunity to bounce back in conference play.
