NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's hockey team fell to New England Hockey Conference opponent Albertus Magnus 3-2 on the road Friday evening.

The game got off to a hot start with Caden Pattison scoring the first goal in just two minutes of the opening period to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.

In just thirty seconds, Castleton responded with Balint Mesterhazy and Anthony Persi setting up Dylan Roebuck for his second goal of the season to bring the game level once again.

Josh Ward made his fourth-straight start, stopping 28 shots in Friday's contest. Chance Hale made 32 saves for the Falcons.

Albertus was granted four powerplay opportunities and found success on their last attempt to put themselves ahead once again late in the second period. The Falcons extended their lead to three with Peter Keese burying his chance with 2:41 seconds remaining in the second.

The Spartans earned a powerplay late in the second, where Andrew Stefura capitalized on the play and tallied his second goal of the season to bring the Spartans back within one to end the second. 

Castleton made a strong effort to tie the game by outshooting the Falcons 13-3, but couldn't find the goal they needed as Albertus claimed the victory for their first conference win of the season.

The two sides face off tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Ralph Walker Skating Rink.