HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College men's ice hockey team earns their first conference victory against the visiting University of Southern Maine on Saturday afternoon at Lee Clement Arena in Henniker, New Hampshire in New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) action.  

THE BASICS 
Score: University of Southern Maine 0, New England College 1 
Records: Huskies 5-7-2, 2-4-2 NEHC | Pilgrims 3-12-1, 1-7-1 NEHC 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• The first and only goal came one minute and 20 seconds into the game where NEC junior forward David Novotny (Boca Raton, Fla.) struck in the puck with assists from junior forward Wyatt Andres (Brainerd, Minn.) and freshman forward Gunnar Sibley (Monticello, Minn.). This came from defensive pressure in which the 'Grims stopped USM's offensive reset. 
• From then on, the Huskies gave it their all to tie the game at one a piece. Near the end of the second and the third periods, they came close to scoring a couple of goals, but both of them were waved off resulting from infractions. 
• Holding their lead for dear life, NEC stopped USM in the final seconds in a scrum and saved a last-second shot that would end the game in a much-needed win for NEC. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

• NEC senior goaltender Kai Tomita (Misawa, Japan) had a sturdy performance while racking up 33 saves in the win. 
• USM junior goaltender Kyle Penton (Waltham, Mass.) came away with 27 saves in the afternoon matchup. 
• The 'Grims outshot the Huskies 33-28 in the tightly contested game. 
• Despite the loss, USM won the faceoff battle 38-28. 

UP NEXT 

• NEC is back in action on Friday, January 12th when they host the current #1 team in the country, Hobart College at the Lee Clement Arena. The puck drop is set for 7:00 PM. 
• USM plays their next game on Saturday, January 13th as they face the Badgers of Babson College at their home rink at 4:00 PM. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.