GORHAM, Maine – The Castleton University men's hockey team suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Southern Maine on the road on Saturday in New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) action. 

The Spartans, after suffering the weekend sweep, drop to 5-11-2 (3-7-1 NEHC). Southern Maine improves to 5-9-3 (4-5-2 NEHC) and finishes its weekend 1-0-1 following Friday's tie with #2 Norwich. 

Tyler Gardiner and Bobby Kinsey scored the goals for Southern Maine. Matthew Smith, Michael Green, and Adam Withers picked up the assists. 

Kyle Alaverdy made his first start for the Spartans since Nov. 23 and made 40 saves to set a new career-high. Chris Butryn had a team-high three shots on goal. 

Gardiner put the Huskies ahead at 8:41 with the helper from Smith. After a scoreless second period, Kinsey completed the scoring with an insurance tally at 8:37 of the third.

The Huskies finished with a dramatic 42-17 edge in shots on goal. Anthony D'Aloisio made 17 saves to earn the shutout, his third of the year.

Castleton returns home Jan. 24-25 to host #5 Hobart and Skidmore in crucial NEHC tilts.