BABSON PARK, Mass. – Despite a strong start, the New England College men's ice hockey team falls in the season opener to Babson College 4-2, Friday evening at the Babson Skating Center.

Following the game, the Pilgrims move to 0-1-0, while the Beavers go to 3-0-0.

SCORING

Period 1 05:43 PP | NEC Alex LaPlante (Trevor Momot and Cormac Hayes)

Period 1 18:22 | NEC Jhuwon Davis (Alex LaPlante and Hunter Hall)

Period 2 03:45 PP | BAB Matt Wiesner (Cole Sanderson and James Perullo)

Period 2 17:12 | BAB John Corrigan (Matt Wiesner and Andrew Holland)

Period 2 18:27 | BAB Nick Rosa (Ryan Black and Mike Egan)

Period 3 17:46 | BAB Ryan Black (Mike Egan and Nick Rosa)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game had a slow start but about five minutes in New England College got a power-play opportunity. The Pilgrims were able to get some pressure early and eventually breakthrough with a goal by Alex LaPlante for the early 1-0 lead. Trevor Momot and Cormac Hayes picked up assists on the play with Hayes tallying his first collegiate point. Babson was able to get some strong pressure around the midway point of the period but NEC held strong to maintain their lead. Late in the period, New England College was able to extend their lead to 2-0 off a goal from Jhuwon Davis assisted by Laplante and Hunter Hall. That score would hold to close out the first period.

The Beavers picked up a power-play opportunity early in the second period and were able to get on the board off a goal from Matt Wiesner to make it 2-1. There were opportunities for both teams throughout the period but neither team could get anything to go until late. Babson was able to find the back of the net and even things up just under three minutes left in the period. John Corrigan scored the goal for the Beavers to knot things up at 2-2 and just over a minute later Nick Rosa added another to take the lead at 3-2. Babson was able to hold onto that lead heading into the final period of the game.

The Pilgrims came out strong in the final frame as they maintained pressure and kept the puck in the scoring zone. NEC had two power-play opportunities in the first 10 minutes of the period but were unable to capitalize on either. With just under three minutes to play the Beavers got a breakaway opportunity that was stifled by New England College and the follow-up as Spencer Kozlowski made a great stop. However, Babson was able to maintain possession and score on the unsettled opportunity to claim a 4-2 lead with just over two minutes to play. The Pilgrims made a strong effort late but were unable to score as the Beavers held on for a 4-2 win.

GOALTENDERS

Spencer Kozlowski recorded 30 saves in net for the Pilgrims, while Brad Arvanitis picked up 22 for the hosting Beavers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

-In the last three meetings between the two squads, New England College has scored five power-play goals against Babson.

-After tonight's game, Babson leads the all-time series 43-22-8.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pilgrims have a quick turnaround, as they host the Beavers for their Home Opener, with puck drop slated for 4:00 pm.