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BULLDOGS STYMIED 1-0 BY MAINE IN FLORIDA COLLEGE HOCKEY CLASSIC OPENER

Friday, December 28, 2012

Matt McNeely has allowed just one goal in each of his last three appearances

The University of Maine came into the final weekend of 2012 with the lowest scoring offense in NCAA hockey, averaging 1.33 goals a night. The Black Bears did little to improve those numbers Friday, but they did just enough to come out with a 1-0 victory over the University of Minnesota Duluth in the opening round of the Florida College Hockey Classic in Estero, Fla.

Rookie Ryan Lomberg's shorthanded goal off a breakaway with 6:34 to go in the second period was all the scoring Maine needed as goaltender Martin Ouelette turned aside all 31 shots the Bulldogs (7-9-3 overall) sent his way. Lomberg potted his first collegiate goal immediately after he came out of the penalty box, picked up a loose puck near the center ice, raced in all alone and then deked UMD rookie netminder Matt McNeely. McNeely (5-5-1), who had his four-game winning streak snapped in the loss, finished with 21 saves. In his last five appearances, the Burnsville, Minn. product has compiled a 1.61 goals against average and a .927 saves percentage.

The Bulldogs, possessors of the nation's fourth most potent power play, went 0-for-5 with the man advantage while suffering their first regular season road blanking in almost six years (Jan. 5, 2007 at Bemidji State University). Maine also went scoreless in its five power play chances, including a five-minute opportunity midway through the third period.

Freshman center Tony Cameranesi put a game-high five shots on goal for the Bulldogs, who have lost just twice in their last seven outings (4-2-1).

UMD will now face Ferris State University for third place in a battle of Bulldogs Saturday at 3:05 p.m (CT).

Scoring Summary

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