HENNIKER, NH The New England College men's ice hockey team falls short, as they drop a 2-1 decision to Anna Maria College Friday evening at Lee Clement Arena.

Following the game, the Pilgrims move to 0-3-0, while the AMCats go to 1-2-0.

SCORING

Period 1 19:33 | AMC August Bouveng (Mike Padgeon and Patrick Manning)

Period 2 11:47 | NEC Jhuwon Davis (Alex LaPlante and Hunter Hall)

Period 2 15:14 PP | AMC Cam Tobey (Jack Sitzman and Matthew Gilbert)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Pilgrims were able to maintain pressure and control possession early on in the game with some quality opportunities. Despite the pressure, the AMCats were able to get in some opportunities of their own in what was a physical first period. Down the stretch, New England College had some great puck movement but were unable to make anything of it as they went scoreless in the period. Anna Maria was able to find the back of the net with 25 seconds left in the period on a broken-up play as they capitalized to take a 1-0 lead. That score would hold to close out the period.

The second period saw some even play to start and both teams had opportunities throughout as through two periods the AMCats had the slight edge in shots on goal at 26-24. The second period saw an eruption of penalties with five in total and three going to Anna Maria and two to the Pilgrims. About halfway through the period, New England College was able to even things up with a goal from Jhuwon Davis assisted by Alex LaPlante and Hunter Hall. That score wouldn't hold for long though as just a few minutes later the AMCats picked up a powerplay goal to reclaim the lead at 2-1. Neither team could capitalize for the remainder of the period as Anna Maria took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

The third period played out much like the second with each side getting opportunities and coming out with nothing to show for it. The Pilgrims were able to maintain the majority of possession but Anna Maria continued to outshoot them. New England College picked up a powerplay with about five minutes left to play but again came up empty-handed as the AMCats had another successful penalty kill. Despite pulling the goalie with 1:24 remaining in regulation, the 'Grims were unable to score the equalizer.

GOALTENDERS

Spencer Kozlowski recorded 35 saves in net for the Pilgrims, while Julius Huset picked up 33 for the AMCats in the win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

-Hunter Hall won 19 of his 25 faceoffs on the night for a win percentage of 76%.

-Anna Maria won the first game of the young series, but NEC still leads the all-time series 2-1.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pilgrims have a quick turnaround, as they travel to Horgan Arena in Auburn, Mass., as they take on Anna Maria in a rematch at 5:40 pm.