NORTHFIELD, Vt.- The Norwich Men's Ice Hockey team concluded its season-opening three-game homestand Saturday afternoon by shutting out Little East Conference (LEC) foe New England College (NEC).

Before the contest, one of the landmark teams in program history was honored, as the 1999-00 team reunited at center ice. This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Cadets' first Division III for both the team and the school, setting the standard for years to come.

Once the game got underway, a chess match ensued as sustained offense for either side was few and far between. When tested, both Sami Molu (Toronto, Ont.) and Pilgrim netminder Anthony Beaulieu came up with stops as the opening frame ended scoreless with shots even at seven apiece with coincidental minors carrying over.
In the opening minute of the second, Norwich went to their first man advantage of the contest. Despite not converting, it generated momentum for the maroon and gold as they peppered Beaulieu.

Soon after, another power play with several chances but no results, the Cadets broke through. Niko Benjamin (Surprise, Ariz.) gathered the puck in behind and sent it to the top of the zone for Joe Schubert (Oconomowoc, Wis.). Schubert's wrist shot sailed wide, but Benjamin corralled the rebound and got it to Cole Fagan (North Andover, Mass.) in front, stuffing it home to break the seal.

After falling behind, NEC began forcing the issue, but Molu kept them off the board with several stops. Halfway through the period, Norwich doubled their lead. A Pilgrim defensive zone turnover found Cory Kashul (Naperville, Ill.) just above the goal line by the left-wing boards. Kashul fired a sharp-angle shot by Beaulieu to make it a two-goal game with his first collegiate goal. Beaulieu continued to keep the game within striking distance for the Pilgrims, spearheading two successful penalty kills to keep it a two-goal game despite a 21-12 shot edge for Norwich in the period.

The goaltending duel extended into the third period, where Norwich prevented NEC from mounting a comeback, preserving the 2-0 victory. Molu earned his first shutout of the season and second of his career, making 27 saves in the process.  

The Cadets will now hit the road to continue LEC action when they travel to Babson on Nov. 14 for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop.