HOOKSETT, N.H. - The Southern New Hampshire ice hockey team dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of New England Saturday in the Manchester PAL/Stovepipe Tournament. With the loss, the Penmen fall to 0-2-1, while the Nor'easters are now 2-5 overall.

The Nor'easters will advance to the championship game tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. against UMass Boston, and SNHU will play Johnson and Wales in the consolation game that is slated for 1:00 p.m.

The University of New England took an early 1-0 lead when Adam Laite recorded his third goal of the season at the 12:35 mark in the first period. The Penmen would answer when Nick Riccio (Wilmington, Mass.) converted on a power play just three minutes later. Casey Goll (Winthrop, Mass.) and Joe Collins (Mansfield, Mass.) each assisted on Riccio's third score of the season to tie the game at one goal apiece headed into the second period.

Ryan Quinn would score a quick goal just 4:10 into the second period from Sam Vikich and Brent Bourgeois. Quinn's goal extended the lead to 2-1 and was the game-winning tally as the Penmen would not score again. Four minutes later, Nick Kolb would build on the Nor'easters lead by scoring a goal of his own to solidify the win and push the score to 3-1.  

Penmen goaltender Tyler Holske (Attleboro, Mass.) recorded 35 saves in the loss, while Craig Ryan saved 27 shots. The University of New England outshot the Penmen 38 to 28, while SNHU converted on one out of five power plays, and the Nor'easters were unable to score on two.

The Penmen return to action after this weekend on Tuesday, November 27 when they host Framingham State in a non-conference matchup at 7:30 p.m.