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The Pioneers returned from break ready to kick off the new year with a packed schedule, featuring 10 home games this month. The week opened Wednesday night as the Lewiston MAINEiacs traveled to the Forum to face the Pioneers.
Lewiston struck first, finding the back of the net in the opening period to take a 1–0 lead into the first intermission. The MAINEiacs added two more goals in the second period before the Pioneers responded. #23 Schaentzler connected with #8 G. Matushak, who set up his brother #7 K. Matushak for a goal, cutting the deficit to 3–1 heading into the third period. The Pioneers continued to battle, but Lewiston secured the win with an empty-net goal, finalizing the score at 4–1. In net, #1 Murat Shiyanov faced heavy pressure, recording 52 saves on 55 shots.
Friday night featured another rivalry matchup as the Pioneers hosted the St. Stephen County Moose for the final time this season. Known for competitive and entertaining matchups, the Moose opened the scoring in the first period, carrying a 1–0 lead into the intermission.
The Pioneers answered in the second period when #34 Gough found #24 Hughes, who set up #13 Ward with 7:53 remaining to tie the game 1–1. Both teams battled hard throughout the third period, but the Moose secured a late empty-net goal to take a 2–1 victory. Shiyanov once again stood strong in net, making 29 saves on 30 shots.
Saturday, the Pioneers traveled downstate to face the Connecticut Chiefs at USM Ice Arena. The Pioneers came out strong, opening the scoring when #18 Jarvis connected with #33 Levins, who found #23 Schaentzler for a power-play goal with 13:47 remaining in the first period. Jarvis and Levins continued to fuel the offense, as Levins returned the favor by setting up Jarvis for another power-play goal with 11:37 left in the period, giving the Pioneers a 2–0 lead. The Chiefs responded with a late goal to close the first period at 2–1.
Momentum shifted in the second period as the Chiefs capitalized offensively, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 4–2 lead. Despite a hard-fought third period, neither team found the back of the net, and the Pioneers fell 4–2.
The road stretch continued Monday as the Pioneers traveled to Universel Québec for their final away game of January. Universel opened the scoring with a power-play goal midway through the first period, taking a 1–0 lead. They extended their lead early in the second period, but the Pioneers responded when #25 Bailey found #23 Schaentzler, who set up #7 K. Matushak for a power-play goal with 7:05 remaining in the period, cutting the deficit to 2–1.
The Pioneers carried their momentum into the third period. #13 Ward connected with #3 Raskin, who set up #28 Reuven to tie the game 2–2. Moments later, Ward recorded another assist as #9 Heron found #7 K. Matushak for a shorthanded goal, giving the Pioneers a 3–2 lead. Universel answered late in regulation to tie the game 3–3 and force overtime. In a tightly contested extra period, Universel slipped in the game-winning goal to secure a 4–3 victory. Despite the loss, Shiyanov delivered another strong performance in net, finishing with a .875 save percentage.