Two minutes into overtime of Southern Maine's game against Keene State at the USM Ice Arena, John Hagan took a pass at center ice and started a two-on-one break. He picked out Owen Drummey, who carried it into the zone and then made a nice feed back to Hagan to bury the game-winner.

It was the first overtime goal in the former Canton star's college career and extended his career-high point streak to six games. Just as important, it was Southern Maine's fourth win in the last five games and kept the Huskies in third place in the LEC (just behind perennial powers Babson and Norwich).

"That was fun," Hagan said in a phone call a few days after the win. "It was a great setup by Owen." He added with a laugh, "I actually had a chance to end the game with 20 seconds left in regulation and just completely fanned on a puck, so it was good to get that one in OT."

Hagan is in the midst of his best season with the Huskies. While his point streak ended the next game (a 3-0 win over Western Connecticut State), he added an assist in last weekend's loss to nationally ranked Babson and now has five goals and nine helpers this season. He sits fourth on the team in points and tied for fourth in goals.

"I try not to harp on it too much," Hagan explained. "It's a long season, every game in this league matters, every weekend is the most important weekend of the year."

After missing all but two games of his freshman season with a shoulder injury that he sustained during his year in juniors, Hagan played 14 times as a sophomore and 24 times last year, spending time both at forward and on the blue line. This year, he's played in all 19 of Southern Maine's games and seems more comfortable with his role and his game.

FULL ARTICLE