Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Saint Anselm College scored twice in the final 4:58 to break open a tight game and take a 5-2 victory over the University of New England in an ECAC Men's East ice hockey game played Friday evening (Jan. 9) at the Harold Alfond Forum.

The Hawks improved to 5-6-1 overall, 4-3-1 in league play, while UNE dipped to 4-9-0, 2-6-0 in ECAC East action.

With Saint Anselm leading 3-2 and on the power play in the third period, junior Tyler Estee drove home a slap shot from the high slot as the Hawks doubled their lead with just under five minutes remaining. Senior Joey Agliato found Estee in position to set-up the marker.

Junior Bryan Sullivan would give Saint Anselm another insurance goal 1:27 later, stick-handling from behind the cage to the right doorstep before stuffing the puck home. Senior Sean Jenkins was credited with an assist on the play.

The Hawks held off the Nor'easters the rest of the way to notch their third win in their last four outings.

Saint Anselm opened the scoring on the power play midway thru the first period when senior Johnny Daniels slid a pass across the slot to the right circle to find junior Mark Meads, who buried the puck from the bottom of the left circle. Sophomore CJ Blaszka was credited with a secondary assist.

UNE responded exactly a minute later, as first-year Ian Rodden tallied his first collegiate goal with a blast from the left circle. Rodden one-timed a feed from junior Tom Gildersleeve, who had received the puck from senior Jared Melman.

The Hawks scored back-to-back goals in the middle period to open up a 3-1 advantage. Sophomore Nick Leonard knocked in a rebound of a shot by first-year Justin Longo at 2:53 of the frame, then Longo went short side from the right circle at the 8:01 mark. Sophomore Peter Sikalis and first-year Christian Smith assisted on the goal.

Senior captain Zeth Zielinski got the Nor'easters within a goal (3-2) at 10:01 of the third, roofing a wrist shot from right of center -- assisted by junior Ben Pearl and sophomore Nick Wirth.

First-year goaltender Shane Joyce earned the win for the Hawks, stopping 36 of 38 shots that came his way. UNE junior Mason Riley had 23 saves in 58:31 of playing time.

Both teams are back in action tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. UNE hosts New England College, while Saint Anselm plays at the University of Southern Maine.