Men’s Ice Hockey Falls in 2022-23 Regular Season Finale

BIDDEFORD, Maine (February 18, 2023) – The Western New England men's ice hockey team fell on the road to No. 9 University of New England on Saturday night, being defeated 5-3. Despite the loss, WNE clinched a playoff berth and locked into the #5 seed in the upcoming CCC playoffs.

Records:

• Western New England: 7-17-1, 5-15-1 CCC
• No. 9 University of New England: 18-5-2, 16-4-1 CCC

How it Happened:

UNE got off to a fast and furious start, scoring three goals in the opening period. Goals by Noah Szretter, Garrett Devine and Dawson Ellis would get the Nor'easters a 3-0 lead after one period of play. GK Anthony Aureliano would make the start for the Golden Bears, making 12 first period saves after UNE pumped 15 shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes while WNE came away with just four shots. 

UNE would continue to score, as they have all season, grabbing the first goal of the second period when Daniel Winslow found the back of the net to give the Nor'easters a 4-0 lead. Western New England's Jordie Morgan would find twine shorthanded, giving Western New England their first goal of the night, an unassisted tally at 15:27 of the second period. UNE would close the period by firing a goal into the back of the net when Chip Hamlett connected for a goal as UNE would take a 5-1 lead heading into the final 20 minutes of play. 

Western New England would dominate the third period of play after Conor Leach would find the back of the net twice, with Western New England taking the 14-6 lead in shots in the period. WNE's Demitrios Stefanou and Justin Sullivan both recorded assists on the goals from Leach though it would not be enough as Western New England would fall 5-3 on the final day of the regular season. 

Inside the Pipes:

• After being outshot 38-14 through the first two periods, Western New England would control the third period of play, finishing the night with 28 shots to UNE's 44. 
• Conor Leach scored his first two collegiate goals of his career in the losing effort, finishing the regular season with three total points. 
• In his third game of the season, Anthony Aureliano made 39 saves on 44 shots faced. 
• UNE dropped 20 goals on WNE this season, including 15 on their home ice. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• Western New England heads to Salve Regina University as the #5 seed in the CCC Tournament. That game will be played on Wednesday, February 23 with a time to be determined.