BOSTON, Mass. (December 10,2021) – The Western New England men's ice hockey team played in their final game of the 2021 portion of their schedule, ending their first half of the season with a 3-2 loss to the Rams of Suffolk University. Billy Hefferle and Kyle Knight recorded goals for the Golden Bears.

Records:

• Western New England: 4-8 (2-7 CCC)
• Suffolk University: 2-7-2 (2-5-2 CCC)

How it Happened:

Western New England surrendered the first two goals of the first period, quickly falling behind the hosting Suffolk University Rams, who had previously won just one game in nine attempts. The Rams saw Shawn Montgomery light the lamp just under five minutes into the first period to give the Rams a 1-0 lead. Montgomery would be assisted by both Joe Feeney and PJ Donahue. WNE would come back for some offense after the goal from the Rams, though goaltender Cal Wilcox would come up with some big saves to keep the Golden Bears off the board. 

At the midway point of the first period Peter Nugent would score the Rams second goal of the game on assists from both Troy Ladka and Phil Decresce to increase Suffolk's lead. The Golden Bears would find the back of the goal at the 13:43 mark in the first period when Billy Hefferle tallied his first goal of the season. Hefferle took a pass from Sam Mitchell and was able to net the Golden Bears first goal of the night. Demitrios Stefanou would pick up the secondary assist for WNE as the Golden Bears would see the period end with a 2-1 score. Suffolk would outshoot the Golden Bears 15-11 while Colten Lancaster, who is making his first start since November 20, would make 13 saves in the first period saves. 

Both teams would play an even pace game in the second period with the Golden Bears getting the only two powerplay opportunities in the period. Late in the second period, Suffolk's Griffin Clark would be whistled for an interference call, resulting in a man advantage opportunity for WNE. On the ensuing powerplay, Jordan Giacomin would send a saucer pass to Golden Bears captain Nolan Zweep who found Kyle Knight on the back post. Knight was able to take a shot that found the back of the goal to even the score at two goals apiece.Knight picks up his second powerplay goal of the season and fourth goal of the campaign. Western New England outshot Suffolk 9-8 in the period, collecting the only tally. 

Just past the midway point in the third period, Suffolk would retake the lead when Shawn Montgomery netted his second of the game for the Rams Joe Feeney picked up his second assist on the game while Samuel Rand picked up his first assist of the game, picking the Rams ahead 3-2. The Golden Bears would draw a penalty on Max Rand late in the third period as they looked to get even again with Suffolk, though the Golden Bears were unable to capitalize on the chance. After the net was empty for the final 1:04 of the contest, the Golden Bears would take the final three shots of the game, though none would get past Rams GK Cal Wilcox, resulting in a 3-2 loss for Western New England in the final game of the 2021 portion of the schedule. 

Inside the Crease:

• After registering his first five points on the season on assists, Billy Hefferle netted his first goal of the season, and first collegiate goal of his career. 
• GK Colten Lancaster came through with 36 saves in the losing effort. Lancaster has 301 saves on the season in his eight starts. 
• Shawn Montgomery led the way for Suffolk, scoring the opening goal of the game, while also scoring the game winning goal for the Rams in their 3-2 win. Montgomery now has four goals on the season for Suffolk. 
• The Rams knocked off the Golden Bears in 43/70 faceoffs on the night. Hefferle won 3/5 draws, whole Demitrios Stefanou went 4/10 in the circle. 
• Both teams wrap up their 2021 portion of their schedule and will next take the ice in 2022. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England, who has dropped four straight, will be back in action on Friday, January 7, 2022 when they host their final non-conference opponent of the season when Rivier University visits the Olympia Ice Center at 1:00 pm. 
• Suffolk University travels to Salem State on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 7:00 pm.