ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Vermont State University Castleton men's hockey team was defeated by Elmira College, 8-1 on Friday evening. The Spartans get set back to 5-17-2 this season, while the Soaring Eagles improved to 12-10-2 on the year.

Castleton opened the scoring with Zach Papapetros ripping a shot that was blocked in front of the net. Jackson Edwards contested the puck and got a shot off before he was turned away from Elmira's defense. Edwards' shot bounced off the goalie and found Jackson Kobelka's stick who buried the puck on the second-chance opportunity to give Castleton a 1-0 lead five minutes into the first period. 

Castleton's lead did not last for long, as Elmira scored two quick goals just 25 seconds apart from each other at the 7:30 mark. They tacked on a third goal to end the first period with a 3-1 lead.

The Soaring Eagles notched a four-goal period in the second to extend their lead to seven. 

Josh Ward and Simon Brenter shared time between the pipes, making 27 saves for the Spartans. 

Elmira lit the lamp once more to finalize the score at 8-1 to improve to a 9-9-1 record in the New England Hockey Conference. 

VTSU Castleton closes out their season against Elmira on Saturday, February 22 at 4 p.m.