Potdam, N.Y. - The Spartans got back to their winning ways, earning a 6-2 win over Potsdam. Mark Hochman earned the win in net making his first college start as the Spartans collected their first win in three games.

Will Laking, Colin Murray, and Kyle Pichler each notched a goal and an assist for the visiting Spartans, who had six different skaters tally goals on the night. Castleton and Potsdam each tallied 30 shots on the night, but the Spartans converted on many more of their chances and pulled out the win.

In the first period, Castleton jumped out to an early lead. Just 3:36 into the game, Laking struck gold, beating Potsdam netminder Shane Talarico to put the Spartans up 1-0. Just over three minutes later, the Spartans struck again. This time it was Ryan Frost who tallied the goal with assists credited to Laking and Colin Murray. Kyle Pichler added a third goal to the Castleton lead in the final minute of the first to put the visitors up 3-0.

In the second, Todd Thomas put the Bears on the board just past halfway through the period. The goal made the score 3-1 with just over eight minutes remaining in the frame. Castleton responded with three goals in the next four minutes, getting scores from Derek Gingera, Murray, and Nick Kovalchik to extend their lead to 6-1 and chase Talarico from the net. 

The third period was the only frame during which the Spartans did not score. Potsdam was able to score just once in the final frame, cutting the lead to 6-2 with a goal from Mike Arnold. Hochman kept the Spartans far ahead of the Bears, finishing the game with 28 saves. The freshman earned his first career win on the night, while Talarico took the loss in the net for the Bears. Talarico made 14 saves before giving way to Austin Keiser who made 10 saves.

Castleton improves to 8-6-1 with the win, and will look to continue their momentum when they take on the third-ranked Plattsburgh State Cardinals on Saturday night at 7:00pm.