Junior defenseman Michael Callahan had the game-wining goal and an assist for the Friars
Providence College Skates To 4-2 Win At UMass Lowell
Junior defenseman Michael Callahan had the game-wining goal and an assist for the Friars

LOWELL, Mass. - Sophomore Matt Brown (Wood Ridge, N.J.) and junior Reid Stefanson (Winnipeg, Manitoba) each scored a goal on the night, as the UMass Lowell hockey team (0-1-0) faced a 4-2 setback against Providence (1-2-0) in the 2020-21 season opener.

"Not the result we were looking for, but we are thankful that we got to play a hockey game tonight," said Head Coach Norm Bazin. "The boys were really excited. They've been waiting for this for a long time, so it was nice to get the first one underway."

Sophomore Carl Berglund (Hammaro, Sweden) tallied an assist on both River Hawk goals to get on the scoresheet. Sophomore Logan Neaton (Brighton, Mich.) turned in a complete-game effort in net with 25 saves, as well.

The River Hawks scored their first goal of the new season on their first power play opportunity, when Berglund swung a pass along the boards behind the net for Brown, who then fired into the upper right corner at 13:39 of the first.

The Friars had three extra-man chances in the first period, but the UMass Lowell defense was able to fend off each one. However, the visitors' offense controlled the puck in the second, putting 10 shots on goal before knotting the score at 1-1 on an unassisted tally by Nick Poisson with just over four minutes left in the period.

The stalemate was short-lived, though, as Stefanson finished a one-timer from right outside the crease just nine seconds into the third. The Friars responded, though, with back-to-back power play goals by Tyce Thompson and Michael Callahan to take their first lead of the night, 3-2, at 11:11. The visitors were then able to seal the 4-2 decision with an empty net goal in the final seconds.

The River Hawks will be back in action on Saturday, December 19 when they host Maine on NESN.

Game Summary

Sunday, December 13, 2020

4
2
Game statistics
29 Shots 14
2 / 6 Power Plays 1 / 3
4 / 8 PIM 7 / 14
1-2-0 Records 0-1-0
GOAL SCORERS
Providence UMass Lowell
Matt Brown (1)
1st/13:39 PP
Nick Poisson (1)
2nd/16:19
Reid Stefanson (1)
3rd/0:09
Tyce Thompson (1)
3rd/6:01 PP
Michael Callahan (1)
3rd/11:11 PP GW
Greg Printz (1)
3rd/19:58.5  EN
GOALTENDERS
Providence UMass Lowell
Jaxson Stauber
59:33, 12 Saves, 2 GA
(W, 1-0-0)

Empty Net
0:27, 0 GA
Logan Neaton
58:56, 25 Saves, 3 GA
(L, 0-1-0)

Empty Net
1:04, 1 GA