Black Bears Edge REDS

(ORONO, ME) The UNB REDS women's hockey team opened their 2022 preseason campaign with a trip across the border to Orono, Maine, home of the NCAA's University of Maine Black Bears.

The game, played before a crowd of 190 spectators on Saturday, was a spirited one that saw the teams play a scoreless first period.

Second-year REDS goaltender Cassie McCallum played the first 20 minutes, stopping all nine shots she faced.

The REDS opened the scoring in the second period on a goal by Lauren Carter. Veteran forward Ashley Stratton and newcomer Mackenzie Keenan drew the assists.

The Black Bears then countered with two goals in less than two minutes to take a 2-1 lead through two periods.

Hailey Martens was between the pipes for UNB in the second. She made nine saves on 11 shots.

Maine added another goal midway through the third period, but the REDS countered almost immediately.

Second-year forward Melanie Drost took a pass from Tamina Kehler and broke in alone on the Maine net and scored a pretty goal to make it a 3-2 game.

REDS' head coach Sarah Hilworth pulled goalie Kendra Woodland with 1:27 to play, but UNB couldn't find an equalizer.

"We had a good push at the end," said Hilworth. "We thought it was a good start, despite the result. We saw some great performances by many of our players, including Melanie, who scored a beautiful breakaway goal."

Drost was named the game's third star.

In 2021-22, the Black Bears went 12-13-1 and finished fifth in the Hockey East standings.

Maine lost in the conference semi-finals to eventual Hockey East champion Northeastern.

Hilworth says she was impressed by her team's effort on Saturday.

"We learned some lessons in the game and are feeling optimistic as we move forward."

Up next for the REDS, a visit to Montreal for exhibition tournament action at Concordia, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

STORY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Anthony DelMonaco/for Univ. of Maine Athletics