BOSTON, MA (November 18, 2023) – The UMASS Boston Beacons men's ice hockey team take a tough one on the chin at home ice from the Edward T. Barry Ice rink in Boston MA, against the now 4-3-1 Babson Beavers, as the Beacons couldn't find a source of momentum following sophomore forward Jude Kurtas' strike to initiate scoring in the first period.

The Beacons put a total of 39 shots toward the net, testing the Beavers' goalie in each period, however, sophomore goalie Nate Muller was a wall for Babson, only allowing the initial goal to open scoring. Kurtas was the forerunner for the Beacs, leading the team with five shots on goal. First-year forwards Jacob Kaminski and Jack Ford each assisted Kurtas in the first period, leading the team as playmakers on the evening.
Kaminski also led the team in blocked shots with a team-high three deflections. Kurtas was also the team leader from the faceoff circle, winning 12 of the 18 matchups when he lined up for the drop.Sam Best shared responsibilities between the posts tonight with first-year Antonio Tarantino, as Best totaled 22 saves through two periods, with Tarantino marking nine stops.

The Beacons came out swinging in the first period, as Kurtas put the Beacons on the scoreboard just eight minutes into the first period off of assists by Ford and Kaminski. The Beavers wasted no time answering as they responded nearly four minutes later on power-play goals from the Beavers' Egan Schmitt.

The Beacs were unable to build any sort of momentum following the first period, as the Beavers' defense was in top form. They forced a deflection on 12 different shots, as well as Muller was putting a pad to nearly every shot in his direction.

UMASS Boston falls to 3-4-1 on the season as Babson advances to 4-3-1. The Beacs shake this one off as they prepare to hit the road next week for a non-conference matchup against Salem State University from Hartford, CT on Saturday at 3:00pm.

Live stats and video coverage will be available at UMass Boston - Official Athletics Website (beaconsathletics.com).