AUBURN, Mass. The New England College men's ice hockey team picked up their first win of 2021, as they defeated Anna Maria College 3-2 Saturday evening at Horgan Arena.

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

SCORING

Period 1 17:47 | NEC Anthony Cinato (Trevor Momot and Josh Chamberlain)

Period 1 18:16 | NEC Channing Gorsack (Cormac Hayes and Jacob Hedencrona)

Period 2 12:08 PP| AMC Nick Kukuris (Unassisted)

Period 2 13:44 PP| AMC Jack Sitzman (Cam Tobey)

Period 2 18:30 PP| NEC Josh Chamberlain (Connor Inger and Anthony Cinato)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The AMCats had a strong start as they were able to apply early pressure and pick up a powerplay. Despite the pressure and the opportunity, they were not able to find the back of the net. There was physical play from both sides as the game progressed with neither team able to capitalize or claim a lead. With just over two minutes left in the period, the Pilgrims were finally able to break through off a goal from Freshman Anthony Cinato for a 1-0 lead. Trevor Momot and Josh Chamberlain picked up assists on the goal. New England College was able to strike again 30 seconds later as Channing Gorsack found the back of the net off an assist from Cormac Hayes and Jacob Hedencrona for a 2-0 lead. That score would hold for the remainder of the period as the Pilgrims carried a 2-0 lead into the second period.

The second period saw some even play to start and both teams had opportunities throughout. Anna Maria was finally able to get on the board just over halfway through the period to bring things to 2-1. Just under two minutes later the AMCats struck again on a powerplay opportunity to knot things up at 2-2. New England College was able to respond as they continued their trend of scoring in the final minutes of the period off a powerplay goal from Josh Chamberlain. Connor Inger and Anthony Cinato picked up assists on the goal. That would be the final goal of the period as the Pilgrims would carry the 3-2 lead into the final frame of play.

The third period played out much like the second with each side getting opportunities and coming out with nothing to show for it. Each team had opportunities but neither was able to get much going. Anna Maria pulled their goalie and had some quality chances but New England College was able to hold strong as they pulled out a 3-2 win in a hard-fought game.

GOALTENDERS

Andrew Kormos recorded 36 saves in the win for the Pilgrims, while Julius Huset picked up 25 saves for the AMCats.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

-Chamberlain's game-winning goal, was the first goal of his collegiate career.

-Cinato and Chamberlain were the two lone Pilgrims with two points, as they each recorded a goal and an assist.

-After tonight's game, NEC leads the all-time series 3-1-0.

WHAT'S NEXT

The Pilgrims wait to see who they will play next weekend, as they will be on the road on Friday, before returning home on Saturday.