Ravens open NE-10 play Nov. 8 vs. Assumption

WINCHENDON, Mass. (November 1, 2014) – The Franklin Pierce University men's ice hockey team held its own with one of the strongest Division III teams in New England on Saturday night, but ultimately came up on the short end of a 1-0 decision against Nichols in non-conference play at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena. Junior forward Francesco Posillico scored the game's only goal on a second-period power play for Nichols to spoil Franklin Pierce's home opener.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 0-1-0 (0-0-0 Northeast-10), while Nichols opens its season at 1-0-0 (0-0-0 ECAC Northeast).

Junior goaltender Kyle Moran (Marshfield, Mass.) nearly stole the game for Franklin Pierce, as he put on a show in net. Moran's goal was under siege by Nichols for most of the night, particularly in the first two periods, where the Bison piled up a 33-19 advantage in shots on goal, en route to a 46-28 edge for the night. Moran turned aside all but one of the Nichols shots to finish with 45 saves and notch a new career high, despite taking the loss (0-2-0). Previously, he had made 42 saves on three separate occasions, all last season.

The only goal on Saturday night came at the 12:21 mark of the second period, on a Nichols power play, with Franklin Pierce freshman forward Evan Marek (Enfield, Conn.) in the box, serving a high-sticking penalty. The Bison got good puck movement during the man-advantage to set up the scoring opportunity. Junior forward Sean Fleming had the puck on the left side and sent it up top to senior defenseman Chris Gularte, who laid it off for Posillico at the top of the right circle. Posillico stepped into the middle of the circle and snapped a shot which Moran got a piece of, though not enough to keep the puck from finding its way over the goal line.

Junior goaltender Alex Larson finished with 28 saves between the pipes for Nichols to pick up the win (1-0-0).

The Ravens return to the ice on Saturday, Nov. 8, when they remain home to host Assumption in the Northeast-10 Conference opener for both teams. Opening faceoff is set for 7 p.m. at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce men's ice hockey apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' brand new online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).