BOSTON, Mass. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's hockey team wrapped up the opening weekend of New England Hockey Conference competition at UMass Boston, taking a 7-1 loss to the Beacons on Saturday afternoon.

Andrew Stefura provided the Spartans' (1-3, 1-1 NEHC) lone tally on a second-period power play with assists going to defensemen Cam Reid and Zach Papapetros. The squads were evenly-matched in the faceoff circle as VTSU Castleton's Josef Vyvial had an impressive 12-for-18 day to post a winning record in three consecutive games.

Josh Ward spent the first stanza in goal with six saves before giving way to Dominic Rodrigue after 20 minutes as the Quebec City native turned aside 27 attempts. Captains Justin Stairs and Zack Whittaker each blocked two shots in the defensive zone.

The Beacons (1-2-1, 1-1 NEHC) racked up three scores in the first period with two coming from Kevin Sadovski, pacing the hosts to their first league victory. Sadovski, Devin Moran, and Conor Foley finished the contest with three points apiece.

The Spartans return to Spartan Arena on Friday, November 10 for a non-conference meeting against SUNY Canton. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m.