BOSTON - After falling 1-0 earlier in the season to Suffolk University, the Norwich University men's ice hockey team responded in a huge way, crushing the Rams 8-1 in New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) action at the Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Rink.

Norwich (15-4-3, 10-4-1 NEHC) stretched its unbeaten streak to 11 straight games with the win and is now 9-0-2 over that span as it continues its strong second-half push.

Freshmen Brett Ouderkirk (Monkland, Ontario) scored twice and had an assist, while classmate Sam DiBitetto (Hilton, N.Y.) notched three assists to lead the Norwich offense. Sophomore Felix Brassard (St. Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec) added a goal and two assists to extend his team-point lead.

Norwich took advantage of Suffolk being whistled for 11 minors, scoring four power play goals to pick up its first win in program history over Suffolk as the Rams are in their inaugural year in the NEHC.

Sophomore Matt Burchill (Marshfield, Mass.) scored his first collegiate goal, while sophomore goalie Ben Nelson (York, Maine) played his first collegiate minutes, stopping all six shots he faced in the third period to preserve the win. 

Junior TJ Dockery (Lockport, N.Y.) had a goal and an assist for the Cadets, while freshman Noah Williams (Cortland, N.Y.) and sophomore Coby Downs (Montclair, Calif.) each had two assists. 

Connor Swystun (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan), Carter Cowlthorp (Boissevain, Manitoba) and Gabriel Chicoine (St. Dominique, Quebec) rounded out the goal scorers on the day.

Tom Aubrun (Chamonix, France) made 16 saves in the first and second period before being relieved by Nelson. Aubrun improved to 12-3-3. 

Norwich gained a valuable two points on Babson in the NEHC standings after the Beavers lost 5-0 to Hobart on Friday night. The Cadets now trail Babson by just one point with three games left in the regular season for the No. 2 spot in the league standings. 

The Cadets will look to sweep the weekend when they travel to Johnson & Wales on Saturday for a 4 p.m. faceoff.