CASTINE, Maine –The Maine Maritime Academy Mariners defeated the University of Southern Maine Huskies 16-15 in overtime after Alex Stevens scored six seconds into the extra period. The back-and-forth back featured two lead changes in the fourth quarter and a late game-tying goal by Mariners to force overtime. The offensive slugfest featured 10 points from Huskies' sixth-year senior Nick James (Portland, Maine/Deering), a team-high for the young season. Sam Nichol scored a game-high five goals to lead the Mariners.
 
James logged a game-leading six assists and also scored four goals. Seniors Omar Contreras (Portland, Maine/Deering) and Schuyler Wetmore (Cumberland Center, Maine/Greely) each had four goals as well. Junior Aman Zunser (Lyman, Maine/ Massabesic) and freshman Patrick O'Driscoll (Biddeford, Maine) also had multiple points. Zunser scored twice and had one assist while O'Driscoll tallied a goal and an assist.
 
Nichol's offensive efforts led the Mariner, who had goals from nine players and five with multiple points. Jacob Hintermaier and Jayden Wilson each had two goals and two assists. Stevens scored twice and had an assist and Trey Marcil inverted his scoring line with two helpers and a goal.
 
The Records:
Southern Maine: 1-5
Maine Maritime: 3-0
 
Series History:
Today marked the 21st meeting between the programs. The Huskies lead 17-4.
 
The Goaltenders:
Southern Maine: Wyatt McIntrye (1-1), 60:00, 16 goals allowed, 18 saves
Maine Maritime: Garrett Ruszkowski (3-0), 60:00, 15 goals allowed, 17 saves
 
How It Happened:

• The first goal of the game came from Nichol 4:57 into the game. Stevens then assisted on a goal by Wilson before the Huskies ended the quarter on a 3-0 run. James set up Contreras in front of the net for the first goal then O'Driscoll tied the game by knocking away a clear attempt by the Maine Maritime goalie then collecting the loose ball and firing it into the open net. Zunser then gave the Huskies a 3-2 lead with 38 seconds remaining in the quarter.
• Contreras made the score 4-2 Huskies 1:15 into the second before the Mariners answered with a 6-0 run to go up 8-4. Six different players scored in the stretch with Hintermaier and Marcil each recording a goal and an assist during the run. The Huskies got two back with the duo of James and Wetmore taking turns scoring and assisting.
• The two teams traded goals to start the third quarter before back-to-back goals from Contreras tied the game at 9-9. James put the Huskies ahead 10-9 before Noah Caramihalis tied the game at 10-10. The team then traded goals once again to end the quarter tied at 11-11.
• Nichol and Hintermaier each scored to put the Mariners up 13-11 in the opening minutes of the fourth. The Huskies got within a goal with 5:29. Zunser tied the game shortly after snagging a pass from James and firing it past Ruszkowski. Wetmore then put the Huskies on top 15-14 before a goal by Nichol forced overtime.
• Maine Maritime won the faceoff in overtime and Wilson found Stevens in front of the net for the game-winner.

 
Inside The Stats:

• The Mariners led in ground balls 44-24. Bryce Crowell led the way with 11 ground balls while winning 30-of-33 faceoffs.
• Freshman Colby Chavarie (Belgrade, Maine/ Messalonskee) caused three turnovers to lead the Huskies.
• Freshman Owen Gaulrapp (Windham, Maine) assisted on a goal and had three ground balls.

 
Up Next:
The Huskies will play Thomas College on Saturday at 1:00 pm in Waterville.