EAST BOSTON, Mass. -- Senior goaltender Billy Girard IV stopped a season-best 36 shots to help lead No. 11 University of New England past Suffolk University, 3-1, in Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) men's ice hockey action Friday (Nov. 17) at Porrazzo Rink.

The win improved the Nor'easters' record to 3-2-1 and 3-1-1 in conference play. Suffolk suffered its fifth consecutive setback to dip to 1-6-0 (0-5-0 CCC).

Despite being out-shot 13-5 in the opening period, UNE led 1-0 at intermission on the first collegiate goal from Jacob Pellerin. Ryan Kuzmich and Juraj Elias assisted on the tally. UNE was able to kill off four Suffolk power-play opportunities in the frame.

The Nor'easters doubled their lead at 12:19 of the second period when Dawson Ellis set up Dylan Schuett. The Rams would answer three minutes later on a goal by Adam McNabey -- his first of the season.

Jayden Price tacked on an empty-net goal in the final minute to salt away the win for UNE. Kuzmich and Adam Sciucco were each credited with an assist on the play.

UNE trailed in shots on goal (37-29) for just the second time all season. The Nor'easters featured an unblemished penalty kill, holding the Rams to an 0-for-8 success rate in extra-man opportunities.

The two teams are back at it tomorrow evening at the Harold Alfond Forum, with the puck dropping at 7:00 p.m.