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The Pioneers wrapped up their home schedule for the 2025–2026 season with a demanding three-game weekend, battling hard in a series of tough matchups.
Friday
On Friday night, the Pioneers hosted the Lewiston Maineiacs at the Forum for their final home game of the season.
The first period was a defensive showdown, with neither team able to find the back of the net. The physical play continued into the second period, as both teams held strong for 15 scoreless minutes. With just five minutes remaining in the frame, Lewiston managed to sneak one past the Pioneers’ defense to take a 1–0 lead into the second intermission.
The Pioneers came out energized in the third. Just over a minute in, #19 O. Eckdahl connected with #22 Nenninger, who set up #10 McCarron. McCarron carried the puck down the ice and lifted it over the Lewiston goaltender to even the score at 1–1.
With momentum on their side, the Pioneers controlled possession and executed crisp passes while creating quality scoring chances. However, Lewiston capitalized twice more to take a 3–1 lead and later added an empty-net goal to secure a 4–1 victory.
#1 Murat Shiyanov stood strong in net for the Pioneers, finishing the night with an outstanding .993 save percentage. Both teams then prepared to meet again the following day in Lewiston.
Saturday
The rematch on Saturday saw #35 Julius Kolari between the pipes for the Pioneers.
Both teams came out strong, but midway through the first period Lewiston opened the scoring. Moments later, they struck again to take a 2–0 lead. After regrouping during the intermission, the Pioneers returned ready for the second period.
Following 14 minutes of scoreless play, Lewiston extended their lead with a power-play goal and added another late in the period to make it 4–0. Despite continued effort from the Pioneers, neither team scored in the third, and the game ended in a 4–0 shutout. Kolari recorded a .918 save percentage in the loss.
Sunday
The Pioneers closed out their weekend on the road in Quebec against Universel Quebec.
Quebec opened the scoring, but the Pioneers answered less than two minutes later. #3 Raskin found #22 Nenninger, who set up #17 Artenosi for a power-play goal to tie the game 1–1.
Late in the first period, Quebec regained the lead to make it 2–1 heading into intermission. They carried that momentum into the second, scoring twice early on power plays and adding another midway through the period to stretch the lead to 5–1.
The Pioneers responded quickly after Quebec’s second power-play goal. #27 Leverett passed to #24 Hughes, who connected with #13 Ward for a goal to cut the deficit to 5–2. Despite continued effort from both sides, neither team scored in the third period.
Shiyanov returned to the crease, stopping 25 of 30 shots in the 5–2 loss.
The Pioneers will hit the road again this weekend. On Saturday, they travel to face the Woodstock Slammers at 7:30 p.m. (AST). They will then head to St. Stephen County on Sunday for a 3:30 p.m. (AST) matchup against the St. Stephen County Moose.