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This past weekend marked the final full weekend of home games for the Pioneers this season, as Universel Québec traveled to Presque Isle for a highly competitive two-game series that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Friday night kicked off with intensity as both teams battled early. Universel struck first, scoring at 5:43 in the opening period to take a 1–0 lead heading into the first intermission. The Pioneers refused to back down. At 8:01 in the second period, #13 Ward connected with #10 McCarron, who quickly set up #18 Jarvis for a power-play goal, tying the game 1–1.
Both teams remained locked in defensively through the third period, forcing overtime. After a scoreless five-minute overtime, the game moved to a shootout. In dramatic fashion, the Pioneers secured the win when fifth shooter #33 Grant Levins buried the deciding goal past Universel goaltender #1 Giordani.
Between the pipes, #1 Murat Shiyanov delivered an outstanding performance for the Pioneers, stopping 43 of 44 shots for an impressive .977 save percentage. The three stars of the game were #18 Jarvis, #33 Levins, and #1 Shiyanov.
Following Friday’s intense matchup, both teams returned to the Forum on Saturday night ready for another battle. The first period remained scoreless until the final moments, when #26 G. Eckdahl set up #27 Leverett, who found #23 Schaentzler for a goal with just 1:33 remaining, giving the Pioneers a 1–0 lead heading into the second period.
The second period remained scoreless, and the Pioneers held their lead late into the third period. However, Universel capitalized with just 41.2 seconds left in regulation, tying the game 1–1 and forcing overtime for the second straight night.
The Pioneers wasted little time in overtime. At 3:49, #3 Raskin set up #10 McCarron, who carried the puck down the ice before finding #24 Hughes, who finished the play with the game-winning goal to secure a 2–1 victory.
Goaltender #35 Julius Kolari stood tall in net Saturday night, stopping 47 of 48 shots and posting a .980 save percentage. The three stars of the game were #24 Hughes, #23 Schaentzler, and #35 Kolari.
The Pioneers now hit the road for a three-game showcase at Foxboro Rink this weekend. The team will return home on February 21 at 1:00 PM for their Pink Out game against the Woodstock Slammers.