HENNIKER, N.H. – The Rivier men's ice hockey team concluded its intra-state weekend matchups with a 5-1 loss to New England College (NEC) on Friday evening at Lee Clement Arena.

The Raiders now hold a 4-6-1 record following the defeat, while the Pilgrims improved to 2-8-1.

Rivier had a power play opportunity early in the first period, with junior Carter Poulin registering all three of the team's shots during the two-minute advantage. However, the game remained scoreless. Midway through the opening frame, NEC struck first with a power-play goal and continued to thrive offensively, outshooting the Raiders 16-3 heading into the first intermission.

NEC extended its lead just 1:15 into the second period, scoring to make it 2-0 and struck gold once again just 3:07 later, stretching its lead to 3-0. Rivier responded quickly, as senior Ashton Jones passed the puck from behind the Raiders' net to junior Matt Horan, who carried it the full length of the ice before connecting with senior Nicolas Paolucci to trim NEC's lead to 3-1. NEC countered Rivier's response with another power-play goal at 7:49, restoring its three-goal advantage.

The Pilgrims put the game out of reach with a goal at 17:51 in the third period, closing out the 5-1 victory.

Sophomore goalkeeper Mason Meyer recorded 36 saves for the Raiders.

Rivier will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 9, to face Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) opponent Plymouth State at Sullivan Arena in Goffstown, N.H. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.