Gorham, ME – Senior Brandon Heck had a goal and an assist and senior Jeff Swanson stopped 19 shots as Castleton State College shut out the University of Southern Maine, 2-0, in an ECAC Men's East game Saturday afternoon at the USM Ice Arena.

The win lifts the Spartans over the Huskies in the updated standings and into a tie for third place with Babson College. The Spartans, who swept their weekend road trip to Salem State College and USM, have now won three straight to improve to 11-8-2 overall and 7-6-2 in the league.

The Huskies had their four-game unbeaten string (3-0-1) snapped and fall back to .500 at 10-10 1 overall and 7-7-1 in league play. After a scoreless first period where Swanson and USM senior Jamie Gilbert kept the offenses at bay, the Spartans struck for the only goal they would need at 5:55 while shorthanded. Heck and junior Steve Culbertson broke up the USM breakout at the blue line with Heck picking up the loose puck and cruising in on the left side. His first shot from the face-off circle was stopped by Gilbert, but he followed the rebound and finally lifted the puck over the sprawling Gilbert. The Spartans got an insurance goal late in the final period when freshman Dan Mauriello tipped home a centering pass from Heck.

Swanson, making just his third start of the season, picked up his fifth career shutout stopping every shot USM fired his way. Gilbert finished the game with 30 saves.

Southern Maine makes its final road trip of the regular season next weekend traveling to Connecticut College on Friday (7:00 p.m.) and Tufts University on Saturday (4:00 p.m.). Castleton is at home on Friday (7:00 p.m.) hosting Saint Michael's College.

Courtesy of: Southern Maine Sports Information