RUTLAND, Vt. - The Castleton University men's hockey team fell 2-1 to New England College in the NEHC opener Friday evening at Spartan Arena. Zach Papapetros scored the lone tally for the Spartans as the Pilgrims used a late third period goal to escape with a victory. 

The conference foes were knotted at one apiece until NEC (4-1, 2-1 NEHC) used a shorthanded goal in the final five minutes of the contest to take the decisive 2-1 advantage. Castleton (1-4, 0-1 NEHC) wasn't able to answer despite a 34-31 upper hand in shots on goal. 

The Spartans peppered NEC netminder Spencer Kozlowski with 18 shots in the second period, but didn't have a goal to show for it. Papapetros found the back of the net in the opening minutes of the third - the freshman's second goal of the season came after a shot by Sam Rennert rebounded along the boards. Papapetros buried a slap shot from the blue line to even the game at 1-1. He totaled seven shots on the evening, which led all Spartans. Brandon Picard wasn't far behind with five. 

Kyle Alaverdy tallied 29 saves in a strong effort, coming just shy of the full 60 minutes. Kozlowski finished with 33. 

Next up for Castleton is a date with No. 2 Norwich at Spartan Arena Saturday afternoon. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.