GORHAM, Maine -- The visiting University of New England Nor'easters scored six consecutive goals, including four in the third period, en route to defeating the University of Southern Maine Huskies 6-2 in an exhibition game Saturday evening at the USM Ice Arena.  The game was the first action of the Covid abbreviated 2020-21 season for both teams.
            Southern Maine got on the board first as rookie Austin Marini (Hyde Park, Mass.) converted a setup from sophomore Nick Ritmo (Niskayuna, N.Y.) and junior Tyler Gardiner (Watertown, Mass.) just 1:54 into the game.  Marini's goal would be the lone score of the evenly played opening period.
            UNE equalized at 9:16 of the second period with senior Brett Mecrones (Medford, Mass.) doing the honors from brother Derek Mecrones (Medford, Mass.).  The Nor'easters took the lead for good with a 5-on-3 power-play marker at 14:34.  Junior Austin Morgan (Detroit, Mich.) converted from the left side from senior Chris Jones (Seattle, Wash.).
            Goals 21 seconds apart for Derek Mecrones and junior Brent Hill (Lunenburg, Mass.) less than four minutes into the third period ballooned the Nor'easters lead to 4-1.  Late goals from senior Jeff Eppright (Barrington, N.J.) and rookie Logan DiScanio (Troy, N.Y.) completed the run of UNE goals.
            The Huskies got a goal in the final minute from junior Colton McAllister (Henniker, N.H.).
            UNE piled up a 37-26 edge in shots on goal.  Rookie goalie Billy Girard (Boca Raton, Fla.) finished with 22 saves in 52.33 between the pipes.  Junior Peter Ciccarelli (Chelmsford, Mass.) came on to play the final 7:27 making two stops.  Sophomore Gabriel Couture (Boucherville, Quebec) had 31 saves for the Huskies.
            Southern Maine is scheduled to play an exhibition game next weekend, hosting the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.