BIDDEFORD, Maine -- For the first time in the history of the program, the University of New England men's ice hockey team will host a postseason contest when the New England Hockey Conference Championship gets underway Saturday, Feb. 20. The fourth-seeded Nor'easters will take on fifth-seeded New England College at 7 p.m. at the Harold Alfond Forum.

Other quarterfinal-round games Saturday feature No. 1 University of Massachusetts Boston hosting No. 8 University of Southern Maine, No. 2 Babson College taking on No. 7 Skidmore College, and No. 3 Norwich University playing host to No. 6 Castleton University. All games will start at 7 p.m.

UNE grabbed the fourth spot with a conference record of 9-7-2 (13-9-3 overall). The Nor'easters' win output of 13 established a school single-season record. NEC will take an 11-8-6 mark (6-6-6 NEHC) into Saturday's contest. The two teams split during the regular season, with each squad winning on the other's home ice. UNE topped the Pilgrims, 3-2, on Dec. 5, and New England College came away 6-4 victory at the Alfond Forum Feb. 5.

Ticket prices for Saturday's quarterfinal at the Harold Alfond Forum will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. The University of New England's Division of Student Affairs will cover the cost for UNE students. Tickets will go on-sale at 5:30 p.m. the day of the game; no advance ticket sales will be available.

The semifinal round will be played Saturday, Feb. 27, and the highest remaining seed will host the championship game on Saturday, March 5.

For a complete listing of the tournament schedule and official NEHC press release, click HERE.