LEWISTON – The Lewiston Junior Maineiacs Squirts are the Tier 1 State of Maine hockey champions. The Maineiacs earned the crown last weekend in the state tourney held at Colby College in Waterville.

Lewiston blanked Kennebec 3-0 in the opener as Jake Landry netted 2 goals. Austin Gervais goaled the shutout.

The Junior Maineiacs then knocked off No. 2 Biddeford 6-2. Devon Beland notched a hat trick and Cody Rodrigue added 2 goals. Nick Kesaris was the winning goalie.

Lewiston dropped a 4-2 decision to Casco Bay, a team that had defeated the Maineiacs 4 times during the season. Lonnie Taylor and Landry scored the goals.

The Lewiston skaters regrouped nicely and blanked Penobscot Valley Hockey Club 4-0 to advance to the finals. Landry popped home 2 more goals. Matt Melanson and Taylor also lit the lamp.

In a rematch with rival Casco Bay, Lewiston prevailed 3-2 in a thriller to capture the state title. With the score tied 2-2 and less than 2 minutes left, the line of Taylor, Rodrigue and Beland made a big rush, with Beland denting the twines for the game-winner. Earlier goals were scored by Spencer Martin. Kesaris was outstanding in net.

The Junior Maineiacs advance to the New England Regional Hockey Tournament, March 11-13, at Smithfield, R.I.

Spartans win crown

The Seacoast Spartans Peewee Major hockey team, including an Auburn skater, captured the New Hampshire Peewee Tier I State Championship last weekend at Ham Arena at Conway, N.H.

The Spartans defeated the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs 4-1 in the title contest, finishing with a 4-0 tourney record. In earlier action, the Spartans beat Concord 5-1, knocked off the Manchester Flames 4-0, and trimmed the Hanover Wild 4-1.

Seacoast has qualified for the USA Hockey Tier I New England District Regional Tournament in East Haven, Conn., beginning March 11.

Included on the Seacoast roster is Shane Hearn of Auburn. Other members are: Kody Grondin, Tommy Williams, Shayne Forsley, Tyler Jankins, Aaron Rocha, Will Vogt, Paddy Murphy, Alex Tobey, Dylan Strogen, Kevin Airoldi, Dana Woodworth, Ryan Randall, Connor Bates, Jaret Canney, Cam Rafford, Chris Pope and Chris Atwood.