Box Score

BOSTON -- The nationally-ranked UMass Boston men's ice hockey team scored three times in the final period to erase a one-goal deficit, then held of the University of New England late to take a 4-3 ECAC East win Saturday afternoon (Feb. 8) at the Clark Athletic Center.

Trailing 2-1 after a pair of second-period goals by UNE junior Jared Melman, the Beacons scored three consecutive power-play goals over the opening 7:49 of the final period to take a 4-2 advantage. Stephen Buco scored 1:51 into the frame, then Frankie DeAugustine converted a UMass Boston two-man advantage five minutes later to give the hosts the lead for good. Travis Daniel added what would be a critical insurance goal at the 7:49 mark.

Nick Kolb would get the Nor'easters back within one (4-3) on the power play midway through the period. The Nor'easters were unable to notch the equalizer the rest of the way, as the Beacons limited UNE to just seven shots for the period.

Buco scored the game's first goal 6:04 into the second period after the two squads had played a scoreless first.

Winning goaltender Zach Andrews had 17 saves for the Beacons (16-4-3, 9-4-3 ECAC East), who led 41-20 in shots on goal. UMass Boston is ranked 14th in the most recent U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) Division III Top 15. UMass Boston were successful on 4 of 8 power-play opportunities.

UNE netminder Colby Drost concluded a busy weekend, making 37 stops after turning aside a career-best 51 versus Babson College the night before. Trevor Fleurent had a hand in two of Big Blue's three goals, recording a pair of assists.

The Nor'easters (8-14-1, 5-11-0) will wrap up the regular season next Friday and Saturday when they play host to New England College and Saint Anselm College.