Rutland, VT-In a rematch of the 2007 ECAC East semifinal, the Castleton State College men's ice hockey team skated to a 1-1 tie with the New England College Pilgrims in what was the season opener for both teams. Each team displayed solid defense throughout backed by the goalies, Ron Baia for New England College and Jay Seals for the Spartans.

The teams ended each period deadlocked for the duration of the game. The Spartans had a number of shots during their first power-play, but Baia turned each away. New England also had a number of opportunities but Seals had just as impressive of a period in net for the Spartans. Each goalie stopped nine shots in the first period.

In the second period, the Pilgrims got on the board first by way of a penalty shot. Captain Mike Carmody capitalized on his opportunity by putting the puck over Seals' left shoulder. The Spartans evened the game again less than five minutes later. Freshman Jonathan Lafrance centered the puck from the right corner and Evan Romeo was there to send it 5-hole to finish the scoring for the night.

Both had a number of opportunities in the 3rd period and the overtime session, but could not find the net as Baia and Seals contined to play outstanding hockey behind their tought defenses. Seals finished the night with 29 saves while his counterpart Baia stopped 26.

The two teams return to play tomorrow to finish opening weekend play. The Spartans aim for their first win of the season facing St. Anslem at a 3:00 pm face-off. New England is on the road again as they face Skidmore at 4:00 pm.