Box Score HENNIKER, N.H. – Despite a career-high 51 saves by Andrew Kormos the New England College men's ice hockey team falls in their home opener to the Babson College Beavers 2-1 on Saturday evening at Lee Clement Arena.
Following the game, the Pilgrims move to 0-2-0, while the Beavers go to 4-0-0.
SCORING
Period 1 13:34 PP | BAB John Corrigan (Colby Bailey and Ryan Black)
Period 2 13:32 | BAB Mike Egan (Ryan Black and Cole Sanderson)
Period 2 14:49 | NEC Anthony Cinato (Connor Inger and Linus Udd Hellgren)
HOW IT HAPPENED
The game started even as both teams having their offense buzzing. About halfway through the period, there was a flurry of penalties resulting in a brief four on three man-advantage for Babson. The opportunity only lasted a few seconds but led into a powerplay for the Beavers as they were able to capitalize and score an extra-man goal to take a 1-0 lead. Babson outshot the Pilgrims 21-8 in the period but New England College still had some quality opportunities as Hunter Hall was able to get off a rocket that rung the pipe. Despite the effort, the 1-0 score held to close out the first period.
The second period saw an early powerplay opportunity for the Beavers but they were unable to capitalize. The Pilgrims also saw back-to-back powerplay opportunities about halfway through but were again unable to get much going. Shortly after Babson was able to find some twine as they extended their lead to 2-0 off a goal from Mike Egan. New England College was quick to respond as Anthony Cinato recorded his first collegiate goal just over a minute later. Connor Inger and Linus Udd Hellgren picked up assists on the goal as Udd Hellgren recorded his first collegiate point on a goal that featured two freshmen. Both teams had some quality opportunities down the stretch making the goalies work and ringing the pipe but the 2-1 score held going into the final frame of play.
The third period saw strong opportunities from each team but the Beavers were able to maintain pressure as they did the whole game. The Pilgrims made some strong efforts but were unable to get much going as they had just six shots on goal in the period. Babson's strong effort earned them the 2-1 win in a hard-fought game.
GOALTENDERS
Andrew Kormos recorded a career-high 51 saves in net for the Pilgrims, while Brad Arvanitis picked up 24 for the Beavers in the win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
-The Pilgrims continue to have strong input from freshmen as they had two different freshmen tally their first collegiate point.
-After tonight's game, Babson leads the all-time series 44-22-8.
-With 51 stops in tonight's contest, Kormos recorded the fifth most saves in a game and the most for NEC since Brett Kilar had 55 back in 2016.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Pilgrims stay at home as they host Norwich University on Friday, February 19th at 7:00 pm.
