The Greater Portland Women’s Ice Hockey team, the Maine Breakaways, recently won the championship at the Dave Dore Memorial Women’s Hockey Tournament on Jan. 5-8 at the Ham Arena in Conway, N.H. One of two teams from Maine in the 10-team tournament, the Breakaways played three games leading up to the championship game, recording two shutout wins and a tie going into the finals.
The Breakaways played against a strong team from New Hampshire’s Tuckerman Valley in the championship round, the game ended with a 1-1 score at the end of regulation. The teams went to a five-minute sudden-death overtime, which didn’t break the tie. The game was ultimately decided by a shoot-out, pitting five players from each team taking their turns going one-on-one against the opposing goalie.
Laura Mathisen, the Maine Breakaways’ goalie, blocked all five shots while team captain, Denise Tanguay and defenseman Jeanie Bourke scored the winning goals to secure the championship.
The Maine Breakaways are a “B” level hockey team with players from the Greater Portland area. The players range in age from 21-53 with an average age of 43.
The Greater Portland Women’s Ice Hockey League is a non-checking, recreational league for players 18 and older. Greater Portland Woman’s Ice Hockey League has teams of various levels, from adult beginners to very experienced players and the league welcomes any player interested in learning the game and improving her skills.
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