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BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The University of New England Nor'easters jumped out to a 3-0 lead before holding off a late charge by the Saint Michael's College Purple Knights for a 3-2 ECAC Men's East ice hockey victory Friday evening (Nov. 15) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The victory was the first league win of the season for the Nor'easters (1-2 ECAC East), who climbed back to the .500 mark overall at 2-2-1. St. Michael's is winless in two starts (0-2 ECAC East).

The scoring opened with 59.5 seconds remaining in the first period when senior Zach Lokey converted off his backhand after slipping in behind the Purple Knight defense. Junior Zeth Zielinski and first-year Connor Bates were credited with assists.

Big Blue pushed the lead to 2-0 midway through the second period as junior Patrick Borer fired a long pass out of UNE's defensive zone to a streaking Tom Gildersleeve. The sophomore forward took the puck down the slot, moved to his backhand and slid a shot just inside the left post.

The Nor'easters would add what turned out to be a much-needed insurance goal at 1:50 of the final frame. Zielinski worked his way into the left circle and roofed a wrist-shot for his team-leading fourth tally. Junior Jared Melman set-up the goal.

St. Michael's got on the scoreboard less than two minutes later after a UNE turnover. Sophomore Kevin Altidor picked off an errant pass and raced in on a breakaway before rifling a wrist-shot just inside the left post.

The Purple Knights continued to put pressure on UNE but were unable to light the lamp until pulling junior goaltender Dave Donzanti for an extra skater with less than two minutes on the clock.

After UNE took a penalty with 40 seconds left, junior AJ Pieprzak came up with the puck on a scramble in front of the Nor'easter cage to light the lamp with six seconds remaining. Altidoor and junior William Cote recorded assists on the play.

The Purple Knights won the ensuing face-off but could not muster a shot before time expired.

Junior goalie Colby Drost totaled 38 saves for the Nor'easters, including 33 over the final two periods. Donzanti registered 28 stops for St. Mike's.

Both teams have 4 p.m. ECAC East games tomorrow. The Purple Knights head to the University of Southern Maine, and Big Blue hosts No. 4 Norwich University at the Harold Alfond Forum.


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