BOSTON, MA (November 26, 2023) – First-year forward Jack Mortson put the UMass Boston men's ice hockey team on top of the Wesleyan College Cardinals after clipping their wings, scoring the game-winning goal just under six minutes into the third period.

The Beacons overpowered the Cardinals on the offensive end, outshooting them 46-35 on the night. Graduate goalie for the Beacons Sam Best had himself a night, including his UMass Boston record-tying sixth career shutout. One more for Best, and he will have had the most career shutouts of any UMass Boston men's goalies in UMass Athletics history. Junior forward Koyle Bankauskas led the way offensively for the Beacs, recording a team-high six shots on goal. Graduate forward Conor Foley was active in the faceoff circle, winning a team-high 13 of the 25 faceoffs he featured in. 

The first period finished knotted even at zero for both teams, as it was a tight start for both teams recording 13 shots in the first. In the second period, neither team was able to break the draw, as the Beacons increased their offensive pressure, totaling 23 shots to the Cardinals 11. Still, no team was able to break even from the initial draw.

The third period was drawing to a close, and as athletes, coaches, staff, and spectators were starting to prepare for an OT finish, Mortson shocked them all off a dish from first-year forward Jakob Teply and sophomore forward Grady Friedman to finally put the Beacons on top following two periods of tightly contested Division III hockey. Mortson's score would turn out to be the only of the game following the remaining 14 minutes of play, as both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities, but Best got the best of the Cardinals, and remained locked in to hold onto the shutout for the Beacons' win.

The Beacons advance to 4-5-1 on the season following tonight's win, as the Cardinals fall to 2-3. The Beacons hit the ice again on Friday, December 1 against the Statesmen of Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y. Tune into UMass Boston - Official Athletics Website (beaconsathletics.com) for live stats and video coverage.