GORHAM, Maine - The Castleton University men's hockey team dropped a 4-2 decision at Southern Maine Saturday afternoon. Andrew Stefura and Brandon Picard scored for the Spartans in the loss. 

The Huskies (2-3-1, 2-3-1 NEHC) raced out to a 1-0 lead at the six minute mark of the opening period, but Castleton (1-6-1, 0-3-1 NEHC) had the answer to erase the deficit in the final three minutes. Netting his second of the year, Stefura evened the game at 1-1 just before the break. Jahwara Rennalls ripped a shot wide that rebounded off the boards - Stefura was there to one-time the loose puck into the back of the net. 

Breaking the 1-1 tie, Southern Maine found the back of the net for a second time in first two minutes of the ensuing period. They'd go on to take a 3-1 advantage in the early seconds of the final period. 

Picard's tally with five minutes and change remaining brought it back to a one-goal contest. He collected a blocked shot and one-timed it home to convert the power play opportunity. 

The Huskies' empty netter in the waning seconds delivered the final 4-2 margin. 

Kyle Alaverdy started between the pipes and made 40 saves, including 19 in the second period that limited Southern Maine to one goal in the frame. His counterpart Mason Palmer totaled 35 saves - he was peppered with 15 Spartan shots in the first period. 

Next up for Castleton is a matchup with Rivier in the opening day of the Spartan Invitational. Puck drop in Rutland is set for 7 p.m.