Henniker, NH-The Castleton State College men's ice hockey team opened its season with a 3-2 overtime loss at New England College in ECAC East action. Jeff Alexander put the Spartans ahead with just 52 seconds remaining, but New England College was able to find the equalizer 22 seconds later to force overtime.

The Pilgrims struck first as Trevor Turner capitalized on a power-play opportunity 7:09 into the first period on assists from Jim Pouliot and Johan Granath.

Steve Culbertson found the equalizer for Castleton 5:10 into the second period, assisted by Ryan Bartlett and Tyler Atkins. The game remained even as both teams battled through another 29 minutes of scoreless hockey until Alexander scored in the third period.

Alexander made good on assists from Bartlett and Jared Lavender, seemingly giving the Spartans the opening game victory with only 52 seconds remaining. New England College called a timeout with 38 seconds reamining, and tied the game just eight seconds later on Pouliot's first of the season assisted by Alex Muse and Per Thunberg.

Pouliot proved to be the hero in overtime as well, netting an unassisted tally 3:10 into the extra frame to give the Pilgrims the win.

Jay Seals stopped 18 shots on goal for the 0-1-0 (0-1-0 ECAC East) Spartans, while Aaron Harvey picked up the win with 17 saves.

Castleton is back in action Saturday when the Spartans travel to Saint Anselm for a 4:00 pm face-off with the Hawks.