ORONO, Maine - The American International College ice hockey team fell to the University of Maine, 5-3, on Friday evening at Alfond Arena.

AIC falls to 3-7-6 on the year and an 0-2-1 mark in out-of-conference play.

The Yellow Jackets had the first goal of the night when sophomore defenseman Johnny Mueller notched his first goal of the year at 5:55, aided by senior captain Austin Orszulak and junior Johno May. Maine answered less than two minutes later to tie things up at a goal apiece.

But freshman Blake Christensen responded and fired a shot from near the blue line for his fifth goal of the year at 11:44 mark of the period, putting AIC back on top 2-1 off assists from freshmen Hugo Reinhardt and Joel Kocur, who had his first collegiate point. That lead would hold for most of the remainder of the frame, but with about 10 seconds remaining, Maine evened things out with another power-play goal.

From that point on, Maine took control of the game, outshooting AIC 18-6 in the second period and scoring three goals in the frame.

Each of Maine's five goals was a power-play goal out of seven opportunities; the Black Bears entered the game with 10 total man-advantage tallies on the year and a power-play percentage of just .110.

With 2:27 remaining, sophomore Shawn McBride got a goal back for the Yellow Jackets on a power-play tally, with assists from freshman Jared Pike and May.

AIC goaltender Alex Murray made 34 saves in the contest. AIC was outshot 39-29 in the contest; however, 16 of Maine's shots came on the power play, giving AIC a 24-23 edge in even-strength shots.

The Yellow Jackets put up a resilient effort despite playing shorthanded - prior to the game, in addition to some players having injury and illness, AIC head coach Eric Lang chose to scratch multiple players for not adhering to team rules.

"We will never sacrifice our team culture," Lang said. "It doesn't supersede the hockey game."

The Black Bears and Yellow Jackets will face off again on Saturday, December 10, at 5:30 p.m.