HENNIKER, N.H. – David Novotny scored 1:20 into the first period and Kai Tomita stopped 33 shots to lead the New England College Pilgrims to a 1-0 win over the University of Southern Maine Huskies in men's New England Hockey Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Records:
Southern Maine: 5-8-2 (2-5-2 NEHC)
New England College: 2-12-1 (1-7-1 NEHC)
 
Series History:
The two teams have now played 53 times with NEC leading the all-time series 40-6-7.
 
The Goaltenders:
Southern Maine: Kyle Penton (4-4-1), 58:41, one goal allowed, 27 saves
NEC: Kai Tomita (3-7-0), 60:00, zero goals allowed, 33 saves
 
How It Happened:

• Novotny's goal came off assists from Wyatt Andres and Gunnar Sibley and was the result of strong defensive pressure by the Pilgrims.
• Penton kept the Huskies in the game with 12 saves in the first period while Tomita made six saves.
• The strong goalie play continued into the second period but with the offensive chances reversed. The Huskies pelted Tomita with 13 shots but couldn't solve him. A potential game-tying goal by senior Austin Marini (Hyde Park, Mass./Catholic Memorial) in the final minute of play was waived off as the officials ruled the puck was kicked.  
• Tomita made another 14 saves in the third period as the Pilgrims held on for the win.

Inside The Stats:

• NEC outshot the Huskies 33-28 while Southern Maine won in faceoffs 38-28.
• Southern Maine killed off four penalties.
• NEC blocked 19 shots in the game compared to Southern Maine's seven.
• Three defensemen, Nolan McElhaney (Natick, Mass./Long Island University), Jakub Suran (Liberec, Czech Republic) and Nick Nault (Goffstown, N.H.) each had five shots on goal for the Huskies.

 
Up Next:
The Huskies will return home to host Babson College on Saturday, January 13 at 4:00 pm.