Box Score Scoring Summary

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Freshman forward John Kelly (Long Island, NY) scored two goals, including the game-winner with 34 seconds left in overtime, as the Western New England College men's hockey team opened its season with a thrilling 6-5 victory over Westfield State University Sunday evening (Nov. 7) at Smead Arena.

Freshman forward Trent Krueger (White Bear Lake, MN) assisted on the winning shot. He also contributed a goal that gave the Golden Bears a 3-1 lead at 7:51 of the second period.

WSU took a 1-0 lead on a goal by senior center Dennis Zak (Dover, NJ) at 10:21 of the opening period. Kelly tied the contest just 1:37 later and Western New England College took a 2-1 lead after the opening 20 minutes when junior forward Rory Hansen (Noblesville, IL) scored at the 16:28 mark. Hansen also had an assist in the game.

The Owls (0-1-1) tied the contest at 3-3 on a power play goal by Zak at 12:16 and shot from freshman forward Vince Perreault (Braeside, ON) 2:11 later. Zak also had an assist for a three-point performance.

WNEC went back ahead on a short-handed goal by freshman forward John Lineberry (Henniker, NH) before Westfield State tied the game on a power play goal by freshman forward Taylor Murphy (Toronto, ON) 22 seconds later.

The Golden Bears went ahead when junior forward Kory Grahl (San Diego, CA) scored at 6:11 of the third period. Once again the Owls came back when sophomore forward Lucas Romero (Roho Station, CA) tallied the equalizer on a power play goal at 11:38. Romero and Zak also had assists in the contest.

Freshman goalie Eric Sorenson (Rochester, NY) compiled 31 saves in his Golden Bears' debut while junior Ian Wilson (Tulsa, OK) stopped 27 shots for the Owls. Junior forward Pat Nelson (Cary, NC) and sophomore forward Jason Nelson (Raleigh, NC) each had two assists for Westfield.