The Central Maine Community College men’s hockey team’s comeback attempt fell short Thursday in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

The Mustangs opened pool play at the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s Division III national tournament with a 3-2 loss to the Air Force Academy at the Centene Community Ice Center.

Central Maine (18-6-1), down 3-0, got on the board when former Lewiston and North Yarmouth Academy standout Michael Belleau scored with 5:23 remaining.

Belleau then assisted on Gabe Poirier’s tally with 1:34 to go. Poirier had the helper on Bealleau’s goal.

Cam Knowles also picked up an assist in the game.

The Mustangs were unable to even the score in the final 94 seconds.

The first period nearly went without either team getting on the board, but Aden Extrand scored to give the Falcons (19-1) a 1-0 advantage with 1:57 remaining.

Brett Oberle and MacKenzie Miller scored in the middle frame for Air Force. Former York standout Joseph Neal had an assist on Miller’s goal.

Goalie Kely Kane made 31 saves in the win, while former Twin City Thunder goalie Sebastian Couturier stopped 40 shots for the Mustangs.

Central Maine next faces the University of Missouri at 9:15 p.m. on Friday.