Box Score

HOOKSETT, N.H. -- The University of New England men's ice hockey squad scored twice in a span of 1:11 late in the 2nd period to open up a two-goal cushion on the way to a 4-1 victory over Southern New Hampshire University on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 30) during the first day of the PAL Stovepipe Tournament at Ice Den Arena.

Big Blue (3-5-1) advances to the event final for the third consecutive season, where it will, once again, meet UMass Boston (a 3-1 winner over Johnson & Wales University). The Nor'easters and Beacons have squared off in the title match each of the last two years, with UMB taking a 5-3 triumph 12 months ago, and UNE securing a 2-0 shootout decision (after a 3-3 overtime tie) back in 2011-12.

UNE never trailed in the contest, after junior Zeth Zielinski put the visitors on the board at the 14:06 mark in the 1st period. First-year Blaise Healy and sophomore Ryan Quinn assisted on the power-play goal.

The Penmen tied it up with five minutes gone in the 2nd frame, as Jim Gabrione scored off a feed from Jay Sylvia.

The Nor'easters moved back in front for good at the 13:40 mark behind a goal from first-year David Goff. Healy and classmate Trevor Fleurent registered assists.

Big Blue struck again just 71 seconds later on the power play, as Zielinski setup senior Zach Lokey.

UNE carried the 3-1 margin into the 3rd period, and junior Nick Kolb added some insurance with a little under five minutes left. Junior Jared Melman and Quinn were credited with assists.

Junior Colby Drost made 32 stops between the pipes for the Nor'easters.

For SNHU (7-2-0), Tyler Holske also recorded 32 saves.