Box Score Waterville, Maine - It was an exciting day on Mayflower Hill as the Harold Alfond Athletic and Recreation Center quietly opened it's doors to a pair of local NCAA Division III teams.  Colby Men's Ice Hockey took on the University of New England's Nor'Easters with excitement and energy for the opportunity to play safely during COVID-19.

The Mules started off the game hot, with a goal just 1:08 into the first period, scored by Brian Sanzone (headshot left) with assists from Alex Bourhas and Jalen Kaplan. The Nor'easters capitalized on a power play and soon tied it up with a goal from Jeff Eppright 6:52 into the first period, assisted by Austin Morgan and Brett Mercones. The Mules regained the lead (headline photo) with 5:48 left in the first off of a goal by their assistant captain, Quinn Doyle, assisted by Drew Burke. The Mules had an opportunity to extend their lead after UNE's Connor Lind received a penalty for roughing 16:08 into the first but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. UNE's goalie, Billy Girard, finished the period with 12 saves while Colby's CJ Hapward had 16. UNE out shot Colby 17-14 by the end of the first.

UNE tied the game 2:00 into the second period off of a backhand shot from sophomore forward Jake Fuss, with an assist from Nor'easter co-captain Alden Weller and Collin Heinold. Colby almost took the lead again after what looked like a power play goal from Quinn Doyle, but it was called back by the referees. The second period brought a multitude of chances for both teams, but unfortunately neither team was able to secure the lead.

UNE started the third period off strong, with a snipe in the top right corner from Brett Mercones just 2:53 into the final period to put them in the lead for the first time in the match. Colby answered quickly though, with Doyle scoring his second goal of the game just two minutes later, and doing it shorthanded after Bourhas received a penalty for roughing. With 9:27 to go in the third, UNE took the lead again with a solid connection from Jake Fuss and Connor Lind to Liam Darcy making it 4-3 in UNE's favor. The Mules went a man-up after pulling their goalie with 1:18 to go in the game, but were unable to capitalize on the opportunity giving the Nor'Easters the win.

Colby Men's Ice Hockey will travel to the University of New England tomorrow (Sunday) March 7th to play the Nor'Easters in the second game of the home-and-home series.