BOXSCORE
HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College men's ice hockey team lost 5-4 in overtime to visiting Framingham State University on Tuesday evening at Lee Clement Arena in Henniker, New Hampshire in non-conference action.
THE BASICS
Score: Framingham State 5, New England College 4
Records: Pilgrims 9-10-1, 6-6-1 NEHC | Rams 5-12-1, 3-8-1 MASCAC
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Rams capitalized on a power-play opportunity just 6:01 into the game when Framingham State sophomore defenseman Devante Dixon (Aurora, Colo.) scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by junior defenseman Luca Olivo (Marlton, N.J.) and sophomore forward Eli Slagter (Willmar, Minn.).
- Framingham State made it 2-0 with 7:09 remaining in the first when sophomore forward Kaleb Kinskey (Dike, Iowa) found the back of the net for his sixth goal of the season, assisted by sophomore forward Caleb Dusek (Dallas, Tex.) as the opening period came to a close.
- The visitors went up a command 3-0 at 7:11 into the second period, once again taking advantage of a power play when junior defenseman Patrick Colgan (Bronx, N.Y.) scored his sixth goal of the year, assisted by sophomore forwards Joey Lizotte (Franklin, Mass.) and Dylan Marty (New Richmond, Wisc.).
- Backs against the wall, the Pilgrims started to rally late in the second when NEC sophomore defenseman Connor Lefkof (Frisco, Texas) scored his first career goal in his 40th game, assisted by freshman defenseman Graham Padgitt (St. Charles, Ill.) and graduate forward Bernie McGovern (Medford, Mass.) with 7:31 to go as the hosts went into the second intermission once again trailing by two.
- With 12:39 left in the game, NEC sophomore defenseman Mattias Thorén (Stockholm, Sweden) pulled the 'Grims to within one off his first career goal, with an assist to sophomore forward David Novotny (Delray Beach, Fla.). Just like that the score was 3-2.
- Finally, with 7:13 remaining, Padgitt scored his third goal of the season on a power play to tie it up, assisted by junior forward Anthony Cinato (Warren, Mich.). Just like that it was a new game.
- With 2:01 remaining and 4-to-3 advantage due to penalties, NEC head coach Tom Carroll called timeout to gather his team. Just eight seconds later, it would pay dividends as Cinato blasted a shot home on a power play for his 11th goal of the season, tying for the team lead and giving the 'Grims their first lead of the game. Assists went out to Lefkof and Padgitt.
- With less than a minute left, the Rams pulled their goalie, desperately seeking the equalizer. With 14.9 seconds remaining, they would find it as Framingham State sophomore forward Johnny Baker (Newton, Mass.) tipped it in to send it to overtime off an assist from Colgan, tied 4-4.
- Just 30 seconds into overtime, Framingham State sophomore forward Ashton Collazo (Victor, N.Y.) scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season, as the Rams prevailed 5-4.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- NEC senior goalie Spencer Kozlowski (Vancouver, B.C.) tallied 22 saves between the pipes for the 'Grims.
- Framingham State freshman goalie Liam Kilgallen (Brighton, Mass.) recorded 29 stops for the Rams.
- Team shots were 33-27 in favor of NEC.
UP NEXT
- Up next for NEC, the 'Grims resume their New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) schedule when they host Norwich University on Saturday in a 4:00 p.m. contest.
- The Rams face their next game on Saturday when they head to Salem State University for a 2:00 p.m. game.
