GORHAM, Maine -- Freshmen forwards Matt Baldino (Woburn, Mass.) and Ben Morgan (Calgary, Alberta) each scored goals to lead the No. 1 ranked Norwich University Cadets men's hockey team over the University of Southern Maine Huskies 2-0 in an ECAC Men's East matchup at USM Ice Arena Saturday.

            Norwich has won three straight and improves to 16-2-0 overall and 11-1-0 in the conference.  Southern Maine has lost seven in a row and drops to 6-14-0 overall and 3-10-0 in the conference.

            After USM held Norwich scoreless in the first period despite being outshot 12-1, Baldino scored his first collegiate goal off assists from junior defenseman Francois Gatien (Boucherville, Que.) and junior forward Shane Gorman (Trumbull, Conn.) to break the tie with 4:42 left in the second period.

            Just over two minutes into the third period, Morgan scored his fourth goal of the season off passes from sophomore forward Gerard McEleney (Canton, Mass.) and sophomore forward Nevin Lawler (Fitchburg, Mass.) to give the Cadets the 2-0 lead at the 17:54 mark.

            Norwich sophomore goalie Matic Marinsek (Ljubljana, Slovenia) earned his second shutout against USM, and fourth of the season, stopping all 11 shots on goal.  Marinsek blanked the Huskies 6-0 at Norwich back in November.  He is now 6-1-0 on the season.  USM freshman goalie Josh Hillegas (Middleton, Wis.) played a strong game making 31 saves, and is now 6-9-0 in his rookie campaign.

            Norwich enjoyed a 33-11 advantage in shots on goal during the contest.

            The Huskies return to the ice next Saturday (4:00 p.m.) when they host the University of New England.  Norwich hosts New England College on Friday (7:00 p.m.).