February 2, 2007

No. 9 Castleton's streak snapped at eight games in 3-1 loss to Southern Maine

Gorham, ME-The Castleton State College men's ice hockey team saw their eight game win streak come to an end at Southern Maine 3-1. Freshman Pat Noonan (Burlington, Mass.) had a goal and an assist as the University of Southern Maine Huskies scored three times in the third period to take the victory over the Castleton, in a game between the ECAC Men's East's top two teams Friday night at the USM Ice Arena.

The win was the Huskies' seventh in the last eight games, and raises their record to 13-6-1 overall and 10-3-1 in the league. The Spartans slip to 13-4-3 overall and 8-3-3 in the league. With the win, the Huskies move into sole possession of first place in the standings. The Spartans slip to second place, one point ahead of Skidmore College and Norwich University.

After 40 minutes of scoreless hockey dominated by the goaltending of Castleton sophomore Jeff Swanson (Grand Haven, Mich.) and Southern Maine senior David Beckles (Stamford, Conn.), the Huskies got on the board at 1:10 of the third period when Noonan potted his eight goal of the season off a set up from sophomore Kyle Smith (Auburn, Maine). Junior Mike Stevens (Dover, N.H.) picked up the second assist.

Senior defenseman Brett Yancey (Natick, Mass.) got what proved to be the game-winner at 9:27, converting a short-handed breakaway with a shot over Swanson's glove hand after receiving a pass from Smith. The goal was Yancey's first of the season.

Sophomore Josh Giordani (Quincy, Mass.) made it 3-0 for USM at 15:22, set up by Noonan and freshman Jordan Skinner (London, Ontario).

Junior Jeff Beecher (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) gave the Spartans some life scoring on a rebound at 17:45. Freshman Jeff Alexander (Gilbert, Ariz.) and sophomore Ryan Bartlett (Brunswick, Maine) picked up the assists.

Beckles finished the game with 21 saves for the Huskies. Swanson stopped 27 shots.

Southern Maine will host Skidmore on Saturday (3:00 p.m.). Castleton State travels to Salem State College on Saturday (3:00 p.m.). [Box Score]

###Spartans###