HENNIKER, N.H.— Norwich University men's ice hockey junior Dean Niezgoda (Brewster, Mass.) netted the game-winner at the 11:07 mark in the third period, lifting the Cadets past the New England College Pilgrims 4-3 in ECAC East action Saturday afternoon.

With the win the Cadets remain undefeated on the season, improving to 6-0-0 overall and 5-0-0 in ECAC East play.  The loss drops the Pilgrims to 2-4-1 overall and 2-4-0 in the ECAC East.

New England College would net the lone goal of the opening period as Chris Santello scored his third goal in past two games putting in a nice feed up the ice from Garrett Brazzier 6:19 into the period.

Norwich knotted the game at 1-1, 7:09 into the second period as Gerard McEleney (Canton, Mass.) scored off a nice pass through the middle from Anthony Flaherty (South Boston, Mass.).  The Pilgrims regained the lead just 42 seconds later as Cheyne Matheson picked up a loose puck and carried in through three Cadet defenders and beat Norwich goalie Ty Reichenbach (Billings, Mont.).

Norwich closed out the second period with two unanswered goals, including a shot by Brendan Boyce (St. Albans, Vt.) that would beat NEC goalie Brett Kilar over his left shoulder assisted by Kevin Salvucci (Plymouth, Mass.) at the 8:33 mark.  McEleney closed out the second period scoring netting his second goal of the game assisted by Nevin Lawler (Fitchburg, Mass.) and Alec Brandrup (Rochester, Minn.).

NEC tied the game at 3-3 just 29 seconds into the third period as Ryan Sweeney netted his first goal of the season assisted by Kyle Manlow and Matheson.

Norwich scored the go-ahead score on a Cadet power-play at the 11:07 mark as Bryce Currier (Essex Junction, Vt.) fire a shot that would be redirect into the net by Dean Niezgoda. The Pilgrims would continue to battle throughout the remainder of the third period but the Cadets would hold strong keeping NEC off the board and hold on for the 4-3 victory.

Norwich finished the game with the 35-18 advantage in shots on net. Both teams finished the game 1-for-2 on the power-play.

Picking up the win in net for Norwich was Reichenbach who finished with 15 saves. Kilar recorded 31 saves in net for NEC.

NEC returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 25 when they host non-conference opponent Framingham State University. Norwich will hit the ice again on Friday, Nov. 28 when they travel to Middlebury College to face Plattsburgh State University in the opening round of the PrimeLink Great Northern Shootout.

-CADETS-