RUTLAND, Vt. - The Castleton men's hockey team conceded three third-period goals in their 4-1 loss to New England College Friday night.

Andrew Stefura was the lone goal scorer for the Spartans, securing his first powerplay goal since late November to push his season total to five on the season — he paces the team in total goals with six. Making his second start of the year, Josh Ward fell just one save shy of tying his career best mark at 31.

It was the Pilgrims (9-8-1, 6-5-1 NEHC) jumping out to a lead just over halfway into the opening period on a score from Graham Hassan, but Stefura and co. wasted no time leveling the score again, making it a 1-1 game just over a minute later.

The puck was around the offensive zone before Zach Papapetros sent it toward Bryce Irwin at the right circle. The sophomore then sent the puck hard across the ice toward Stefura who rifled the shot into the back of the net to tie the game after one.

The second period put Castleton's (4-12-0, 2-7-0 NEHC) penalty kill to the test, as they held NEC without a goal on three consecutive powerplay opportunities to send the sides into the final frame level.

The Spartans came out on the offensive to start the third, but shots from Stefura, Irwin, and Papapetros were all denied by the Pilgrims' netminder. Despite their efforts, it was NEC taking the lead 12 minutes into the frame on a circus shot from Anthony Cinato. Additional goals at the 12:43 and 16:50 marks of the game put the Pilgrims up 4-1 and sealed the loss for Castleton.

The Spartans will look to get back in the win column with a matchup against No. 5 Norwich University. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m., with Castleton also honoring the newest members of its all-decade team during the contest.