MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (Saturday, November 9, 2024)-- Salve Regina University men's ice hockey secured their first NEHC conference win against the UMass Boston Beacons with a 5-4 win at home on Saturday night. 

The Seahawks were quick to strike with two opening goals from Aidan Connolly and Arvega Hovsepyan within 2:30 of puck drop. However, UMB's Jazz Krivtsov took advantage of a power play to lessen the Seahawks lead to 2-1. 

The second period was a difference maker for the team from Newport. Walter Baumann and Jonathan Hammel's successes established a 4-1 lead. 

Even though the Beacons pulled their goalie and managed to fire off a six on five extra skater goal, Salve Regina held on to their 5-4 lead.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 5, UMass Boston 4
Records: Salve Regina (2-0-0, 1-0-0 NEHC), UMass Boston (0-2-0, 0-1-0 NEHC)
History: In 2010 Salve Regina fell 8-3 to UMass Boston in the opening round of the Stovepipe/PAL Tournament. Since then, Salve Regina has bested UMB three times, including tonight. The most recent meeting was a 3-2 win in 2017. 

QUOTING COACH KLANN:
"Winning our first NEHC game at home is something to build on. Five on five I think we did very well tonight. We got two quick goals right away, but it was a good learning curve-- closing the game out and holding on in the end. Even so, we know we have to be better shift after shift. In this league there's no time for lapses. It was a great start tonight. 

Jonathan Hammel, Logan Calder and Walter Baumann were really responsive in the defensive zone and offensively they all chipped in. Those guys were the catalysis tonight. It sets the tone for the rest of the team of what it takes to win games."

ON THE HORIZON
Tomorrow, November 10, the Seahawks will be back in Middletown to host the Beacons for day two at 3 p.m.