GORHAM, Maine — The Vermont State University Castleton men's hockey team fell behind early and began to recover, but the Spartans were ultimately defeated by Southern Maine, 7-4, Saturday afternoon.

Bryce Irwin netted a pair of goals, marking back-to-back two-strike performances. Cam Reid collected his second score in as many games while Jackson Edwards knocked in his third of the year. The Spartans (4-7, 2-4 NEHC) received two assists from Andrew Stefura, Josef Vyvial, and Chance Heaphy as Zach Papapetros was credited with one.

Simon Brenter got the start and made one save before Josh Ward took over goaltending duties, stopping 15 shots over the last 50 minutes.

The Huskies (4-5-1, 2-4-1 NEHC) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first period and tallied another goal to open the second before VTSU Castleton quickly responded with Reid's fourth career blast. Vyvial and Stefura connected with Irwin minutes later to generate the visitors' second score of the period. After multiple back-and-forth opportunities, the trio united again to produce Irwin's fourth goal of the weekend and cut the deficit to 5-3. USM's Nolan McElhaney snapped the dry spell with seconds left in the period to earn a hat trick.

Castleton pounded the Husky goal in the opening moments of the final frame, but the hosts quickly swiped possession and tacked on their seventh dart. Critical blocks and saves late in the contest prevented USM from striking an eighth time as Edwards delivered the last blow with under a minute left.

The Spartans return home for two non-conference duels next week beginning with a matchup on Tuesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. against Saint Michael's for the program's 14th annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans who bring at least one stuffed animal will receive free admission and are encouraged to throw their animal(s) onto the ice after the first Castleton goal.