Rutland, VT-The Castleton State College men's ice hockey team skated to their seventh straight win, a 5-2 triumph over UMass.-Boston, thanks in large part to the efforts of Steve Smiddy. The freshman forward tallied a pair of goals and one assist to help aid the Spartans to their ninth victory at the Rutland Regional Fieldhouse.

Castleton led 2-1 after the first period as Brandon Heck and Smiddy each scored inside of 15 minutes. UMass-Boston's Russ Peterson would get one back before the first intermission as he sent home an Adam Larabee assist with 1:08 remaining.

Smiddy would score his second goal of the game, what proved to be the game-winner, 8:32 into the second period. The Beacons would once again answer as Kyle Simpson squeaked one past the glove side of Castleton netminder, Jay Seals.

The Beacons would have a couple of great chances to find the equalizer but Seals turned away a breakaway chance 1:38 into the final period, and another from point blank range later on in the period. The Spartans would tack on a pair of insurance tallies, as Jeff Lazeren and Eric Curtis each put home a goal. Curtis also provided a pair of assists to round out his evening.

Ryan Donovan was very good in goal for the Beacons, stopping 41 shots, including several rockets off the stick of Joe Huchko. Seals ended his night with the win and 15 saves to his credit. Castleton improves to 12-3-3 overall (7-2-3 ECAC East) and will play host to Babson tomorrow afternoon at 3:00. UMass.-Boston falls to 4-13-1 and 2-10 in conference play. The Beacons will travel to Skidmore for another ECAC East tilt at 4:00.