If you look at the Hockey East schedule for the rest of December, you'll notice that there's only one conference game between now and the New Year - UMass-Lowell at Boston University on Friday.

Many teams will take the next two weeks to face nonconference opponents and play in holiday tournaments, including Maine, which will face Union College of the ECAC on Friday and Saturday at Alfond Arena.

Looking at the Hockey East standings, the Black Bears are tied for fifth with Boston University, each with 11 points.

After losses at Vermont and at Northeastern, getting two points at Merrimack was critical for the Black Bears.

"It was nice to get that win," Maine forward Brett Carriere said after Sunday's 3-2 win over the Warriors in North Andover. "It was definitely a win that we needed, especially after giving up two games, as close as they were."

The national polls will be released later this afternoon.

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WPXT-TV in Portland will televise Friday's game between Union and Maine.

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