HENNIKER, N.H.- Led by Alex LaPlante's hat trick and 24 saves from Andrew Kormos, the New England College Men's Ice Hockey team toppled the No. 5 ranked Babson College Beavers, 4-1, in New England Hockey Conference action, Tuesday evening.

THE BASICS
Score: New England College 4, No. 5 Babson College 1

Records: Pilgrims (9-5-1, 4-5-1 NEHC) | Beavers (9-3-2, 5-3-2 NEHC)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Babson was the first team to score, as they were able to light the lamp in the first minute. Wyatt George was able to tuck in a shot, beating the New England College netminder to the stick side post. Matt Wiesner and Paul Boutoussov were able to get the helpers on the score. Just over the halfway mark, Alex LaPlante tied the game for the Pilgrims, as his wrist shot off the faceoff win beat the Babson netminder to the top glove side. NEC dominated the faceoff circle in the opening 20 minutes, as they won 14-of-17 faceoffs.

Just over five minutes into the middle frame, LaPlante gave the Pilgrims the 2-1 lead. Linus Udd Hellgren led a 3-on-1 breakaway, slid the pass over to Bernie McGovern who drop passed the puck to LaPlante in the slot. LaPlante was able to wrist the puck past the Beavers netminder. With 9:30 showing on the clock, Andrew Kormos stonewalled Matt Wiesner on a breakaway, keeping NEC on top, 2-1. The score would remain 2-1 in favor of New England College through 40 minutes.

With just under four minutes remaining in regulation, Connor Inger brought the puck into the offensive zone for the Pilgrims. Inger was able to backhand a pass into the slot, where he found Chris Lee who fired it into the net, making it 3-1 New England College. Babson would not go quietly, but with just under a minute left in regulation, LaPlante glided in his third goal of the game, giving NEC the 4-1 win over the No. 5 ranked Babson Beavers.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Andrew Kormos recorded 24 saves to pick up his sixth win of the year.
• With three goals tonight, Alex LaPlante recorded his first collegiate hat-trick
• New England College outshot the Beavers 30-25, while NEC won 37-of-61 faceoffs.
• Neither team was able to capitalize on the man-advantage, as both sides went 0-for-3 on the evening.
• The Pilgrims recorded 13 blocked shots on the night.
• Babson leads the all-time series 47-23-8. 

UP NEXT

• NEC vs Skidmore, Friday, Jan. 21, 7:00 pm
• Babson vs UMass Boston, Friday, Jan. 21, 7:00 pm