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Weekend Recap: Pioneers Battle Through Border and Beyond
The Northern Maine Pioneers were back in action over the weekend, kicking off their home schedule with a Border Battle against the rival Woodstock Slammers. Despite a strong effort and an electric crowd at The Forum, Woodstock spoiled the home opener with a 4–1 win behind sharp goaltending.
But the Pioneers didn’t stay down for long.
The team hit the road Saturday night for a rematch in Woodstock, and this time the story flipped. After the Slammers opened the scoring, Grant Matushak evened things up midway through the first period. The opening frame closed 2–1 in favor of Woodstock, but the second period was all Pioneers — they erupted for five straight goals, sparked again by Matushak. The momentum carried into the third, where the Pioneers buried four more. Matushak capped the night with a hat trick, assisted by his twin brother Kellen, sealing a commanding 10–4 victory.
After a quick trip home, the boys were back on the bus — this time heading north to face Universal Quebec. Goalie Murat Shiyanov stood tall early, keeping the game scoreless through the first as the team shook off what Coach Lowry called “bus legs.” In the second period, Karl Sandburg opened the scoring with help from the Matushak brothers. The third period was once again all Pioneers, who netted three more to secure a 4–2 win and close out the weekend 2–1.
The Pioneers are finding their stride — and The County is rolling with them.