Waterville, Maine- The Men's Ice Hockey Team played in a non-conference matchup against the University of Southern Maine Huskies this past Tuesday night. Sophomore CJ Hapward got the start in net, his first of the season in the eventual 4-2 win for the Mules.
 
The Huskies jumped on Hapward early, taking a 1-0 lead over Colby with fourteen minutes left to play. After the Mules fought back, having several strong looks on the Huskies goaltender, it looked as though the Mules would be down a goal heading into the second period. Alex Bourhas would find the back of the net with 23 seconds left in the period after Henry Molson would find Bourhas with a wide-open shot on goal to tie the game 1-1.
 
John McElaney, with the help of Jake Klein and Quinn Doyle would give the Mules the 2-1 lead 1:55 into the second period with McElaney tipping in a pass from Klein at the mouth of the net. Both teams exchanged penalties multiple times, but neither team would be able to capitalize on their respective power play opportunities. Hapward would face a string of four shots in the last twelve seconds of the period, saving all to keep the Mules up 2-1.
 
In the third period, the Mules were able to tally some shots before senior captain Justin Grillo would net his sixth goal of the season 7:28 into the third to give the Mules a two-goal lead. The Huskies did not let this deter their game as they would once again score to bring it to a one-goal game. With the empty net for the Huskies, Jack Sullivan would tally his seventh goal of the season. Sullivan is now tied for the NESCAC lead in goals and leads the conference in points. Hapward would make 21 saves to secure the win for the Mules.
 
The Mules next play on Saturday, January 29, at 7:00 PM against Bowdoin College, where the Mules are looking to sweep the season series against the Polar Bears.