ORONO — Brian Flynn recorded a pair of first-period goals to pace the University of Maine to a 7-3 triumph over North Dakota in men’s ice hockey action Saturday.

North Dakota was ranked second in the nation coming into the weekend series.

The Black Bears (2-1-2) rattled off five goals in the first period, including three power-play tallies, to take a 5-1 lead early in the contest.

Robbie Dee and Flynn made it 3-0 before the Fighting Sioux (3-1-1) got on the board.

A goal by Will O’Neill and Gustav Nyquist’s unassisted tally capped the first period scoring.

It was 7-1 before North Dakota scored two late goals on goalie Shawn Sirman, who had 19 saves on 22 shots.

North Dakota starting goalie Brad Eidsness was removed from the game after surrendering three goals on five shots in the first 10 minutes.

Also scoring for the Black Bears were Kyle Beattie and Tanner House.

Freshman winger Mark Anthoine of Lewiston earned his second assist of the season on Beattie’s goal.

The same two teams will meet again today at Alfond Arena at 7 p.m.