Men’s Ice Hockey Unable to Catch Up to No. 12 UNE

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (December 4, 2021) – The Western New England men's ice hockey team welcomed the 12^th ranked men's ice hockey team in NCAA Division III to the Olympia Ice Center and were bested by the Nor'easters 6-1 after the Golden Bears allowed three first period goals and were unable to climb back in the contest. 

Records:

• Western New England: 4-7 (2-6 CCC)
• No. 12 University of New England: 7-1-1 (6-1-1 CCC)

How it Happened:
Western New England was unable to get off to a quick start as the University of New England started their offense early and often as their leading goal scorer Daniel Winslow scored just five minutes into the first period to give UNE the 1-0 lead. Winslow was able to find open ice in the middle of the offensive zone and took a wrist shot past Anthony Aureliano. At the midway point of the period Aaron Aragon tallied UNE's second goal of the night off assists from Chris Jones and Winslow. Ryan Kuzmich would find twine for UNE's third goal of the third period as the Nor'easters would take the big 3-0 lead heading into the intermission. WNE took just six shots in the first period. 

UNE would net their fourth goal of the game in the late stages of the second period when Jared Christy found the back of the net for the Nor'easters. The Golden Bears responded quickly, however when Shane Miller picked up his second goal of the season on a deflection in front of the net off a shot from Billy Hefferle. Damien Dangueuger would receive the secondary assist on the goal to give WNE their first goal of the game and trail 4-1. Western New England took 13 second period shots to UNE's eight to give the Golden Bears a two-period total of 19 shots. 

The Nor'easters would take control of the second period and score their final two goals of the game in the period when Aaron Aragon netted a goal followed by a powerplay goal from Jake Fuss to give the University of New England the 6-1 advantage, a score which would hold to end the 60 minutes of play. The Golden Bears would come through with nine shots on goal in the final frame for a three-period total of 28 in the contest. 

Inside the Crease:

• Goaltender Anthony Aureliano made 29 saves in the losing effort for the Golden Bears. Aureliano made his fourth consecutive start between the pipes for WNE tonight. 
• Western New England failed to convert on six powerplay chances, including a five-minute major powerplay in the second period. 
• Shane Miller tallied Western New England's lone goal on the evening. Miller has a team high 12 points (2 G, 10 A) on the season. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• WNE will travel to Suffolk University to meet the Rams for the first time this season on Friday, December 10 at 7:00 pm. 
• UNE meets Wentworth in a CCC match on Saturday, December 11 at 5:00 pm.