Box Score NORTHFIELD, Vt. – The fourth-seeded Vermont State University Castleton Spartans bowed out of the first-ever Little East Conference Ice Hockey Tournament, presented by Townshend Hockey, but not before denying the top-seeded and nationally ranked Norwich University squad a shutout, falling 4-2.
 
The Basics
• Final Score: #1 Norwich 4, #4 Castleton 2
• Location: Kreitzberg Arena – Northfield, Vt.
• Records: Norwich 24-2-0 | Castleton 12-15-0
 
How It Happened
Faced with a tough battle, Castleton handled the high-powered Norwich offense well in the opening period, keeping the contest scoreless after 20 minutes of play. The Spartans spent much of the stanza in the defensive zone, with Gianna McCusker making six saves while the defense added nine blocked shots. As the period progressed, the green and white found their footing and registered six shots on goal of their own.

The Cadets broke through in the middle frame, pouring in four goals to take a 4-0 lead into the final period.

Castleton answered with something it had struggled to do throughout the regular season — score on Norwich. Captain Moa Carlsson netted the Spartans' first goal with 8:34 remaining, finishing a play set up by Taylor Adams to make it 4-1.

The Spartans went on the power play at 4:24 after Rainey Lay drew a cross-checking penalty. Castleton elected to pull the goalie for a six-on-four advantage during the two-minute opportunity, and the decision paid off. Carlsson, the senior from Stockholm, Sweden, struck again with a power-play tally at 16:23, assisted by Adams and Ellie Schliebener, pulling Castleton within two at 4-2.

Feeling bold, the Spartans pulled the goalie again with 2:28 remaining. While the move did not result in another goal, it also prevented Norwich from adding to its total, highlighted by a kicking save from Gracie Hurlbut with 44 seconds left.

Despite the late surge, Castleton ultimately fell 4-2.
 
By the Numbers
• Carlsson led the offense with two goals, finishing 2-for-4 on shots on goal.
• Adams recorded two points, assisting on both goals. Schliebener added one assist.
• McCusker was steady in net, making 41 saves for a .911 save percentage.
• Defense played a major role, as Castleton blocked 25 shots. Hurlbut, Annika Nelson, and Mikayla Brightman each recorded three blocked shots.
 
That's a Wrap
The Spartans conclude the season with a 12-15 overall record and will look ahead to 2026-27, when they are expected to return 17 athletes to the roster.