PROVIDENCE COLLEGE DOWNED BY PRINCETON, 3-1

Sophomore forward Kevin Hart picked up an assist for the Friars

DENVER, Colo. - The Providence College men's hockey team jumped out to an early lead, but Princeton rallied for a 3-1 victory Saturday night in the early game at the Denver Cup Classic at Magness Arena in Denver, Colo.

The Friars took a 1-0 lead at 3:05 of the first period on a goal by freshman Stefan Demopoulos (La Mesa, Calif.) who scored from in close. Sophomore Derek Army (North Kingstown, R.I.) and Kevin Hart (Cumberland, Maine) assisted on Demopoulos' third goal of the season. Princeton scored the next two goals to take a 2-1 lead after one period. Rob Kleebaum scored after a turnover at 10:39, while Tyler Maugeri converted on the power play at 12:39 with a strong individual effort.

In the second period, the Friars outshot the Tigers, 14-10, but it was Princeton that scored the lone goal of the period to increase the lead to 3-1. Andrew Calof benefitted from a Friar turnover at center ice and scored his first goal of the season.

The Friars had an opportunity to cut into the lead as they had a five-minute power play with 10:39 left in the third period, but could not convert. Providence finished with a 38-26 advantage in shots as Sean Bonar stopped 37 of those shots to earn the win. Senior Alex Beaudry (Cumberland, Ont.) made 23 saves for the Friars.

The Friars are back in action on Friday, December 2 when they host No. 1 Merrimack at 7:00 p.m. at Schneider Arena.