PAWTUCKET, R.I. (January 10, 2026) – The Golden Bears traveled for a conference clash with the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales University on Saturday. The contest was a tale of two periods. The first saw JWU extend their lead up to four goals. The second saw WNE fight back and cut the lead to 5-3 thanks to two assists from Matty Zdanowicz. The final period of play had seen WNE close the deficit to one goal, but an empty-netter for the Wildcats eliminated the hope of a win for WNE.

Records:
Western New England: 3-10-0 (1-7-0)
Johnson & Wales University: 4-6-1 (2-4-0)

How it Happened:
First Period:

• It was a rough start for the Golden Bears as Jack Gerne scored 3:46 into the game for the Wildcats. Roman Wainwright and Joseph Sciabarra picked up the assists.
• Zachary Brady doubled the Wildcat lead less than five minutes later on the power play. Cam Martin and Connor Nelson assisted the goal.
• The Wildcats then scored two goals in the final five minutes of the opening period of play. Connor Nelson scored the third JWU goal on the power play thanks to assists from Cam Martin and Harout Torosian. Jack Gerne then picked up a second goal with 1:20 left in the first, thanks to Joe Freeman and Brad Cook assisting. WNE trailed 4-0.
• The Golden Bears got outshot on goal 9-6 in the first period, but were also out-saved 6-5.

Second Period:

• The Golden Bears took back control of the game in the second period, and it all started with Everest Schneider scoring on the power play in the fourth minute of the second off assists from Matty Zdanowicz and Jimmy Mettler.
• Almost six minutes later, Gavin Mastrodonato found the back of the net on the power play. Nick Theodos and Billy VanSumeren assisted the goal, and all of a sudden, the Golden Bears had cut the lead in half with more than ten minutes left in the second period.
• Unfortunately, shortly after the goal, Connor Nelson recorded a second goal and third point in the game, scoring on the power play once again. Cam Martin and Joe Freeman had assists again.
• With 1:50 left in the second, Camille Marcoux got a pass from Matty Zdanowicz and scored short-handed to lift WNE back within two goals with another period of play remaining.
• WNE outshot JWU 12-9 in the period of play, and it showed in the stats and in the momentum of play.

Third Period:

• The teams traded runs on shots during the early stages of the third and final period of play. The Wildcats got out to a quick start, but WNE settled in.
• WNE had an opportunity closer to the middle of the period when they were on a penalty, but could not capitalize.
• They would capitalize on their next power play chance, but it was a little too late for WNE. Brayden Patricia scored the power play goal unassisted with an extra attacker with 2:08 left. However, an empty-net goal with five seconds left from Brad Cook shut the door of WNE. Zachary Brady and Davis Bone assisted the goal.
• Despite the slow start, the Golden Bears outshot the Wildcats 27-24, but it would not matter in the end, as JWU won the second meeting 6-4.

Inside the Crease:

• The Wildcats took game two of the WNE-JWU series 6-4.
• Jack Gerne and Connor Nelson both scored a pair of goals for the Wildcats, with Nelson also picking up an assist.
• Cam Martin also had three points for the Wildcats, with each point coming by way of an assist.
• Joe Freeman led the JWU defense in front of the net with four blocked shots, while Jake Inzirillo made 23 saves for the Wildcats in net.
• The Golden Bears had four different goal-scorers, while Matty Zdanowicz led the team in points on the day with two.
• Jimmy Mettler blocked three shots for WNE.

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The men's hockey team will finally make their way back to the Olympia Ice Center for the first time in 2026 on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM. They will host Curry College.