BOSTON, MA (December 1, 2023) – The UMass Boston men's ice hockey team fared well against number two nationally ranked Hobart Smith, but were ultimately short, falling 6-1 against the Statesmen from Geneva, N.Y.

The Beacons put up 23 total shots throughout the game, led by a team-high five shots on net from graduate forward Conor Foley. First-year forward Jack Mortson followed up his New England Hockey Conference Rookie Of The Week award by going 8-17 from the faceoff circle, a team-high in faceoffs won. The Beacons were able to put a body on 14 of the 55 Statesmen shots, led by a team-high three blocked shots from senior forward Owen Bourdow. The Beacons graduate goalie Sam Best gave it his all, stopping 49 of the 55 shots he faced, good for an 89% save percentage.

The Statesmen struck first five minutes into the first period off a power play goal from senior forward Artem Buzoverya, from Ignat Belov and Kevin Lassman. Statesmen struck nylon again four minutes later from sophomore forward Tanner Hartman to put them up 2-0 heading into the second period.

The Beacons showed signs of life in the second period after Foley was able to put one behind the Statesmen's sophomore goalie Damon Beaver. Foley was assisted by sophomore forwards Jazz Krivstov and Jude Kurtas to cut the lead to two goals (3-1).

Foley's second-period strike would be the Beacon's only on the evening from Geneva N.Y as the Statesmen were able to provide six goals to the box sheet at the conclusion of the third period, following a late response to Foley in the second period and another two in the third.

The Beacons move to 4-6-1 on the season, while remaining 3-4 in the NEHC. The UMass Boston men's ice hockey team is back at it on Saturday, December 2 against number seven nationally ranked Elmira College from Elmira N.Y. Live stats and video coverage can be found at UMass Boston - Official Athletics Website (beaconsathletics.com).