PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rivier men's ice hockey team dropped its season opener, 5-2, to non-conference opponent JWU (Providence) at Lynch Arena on Friday night. 

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 0-1, while the Wildcats improved to 1-0. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Wildcats opened the scoring 12 minutes into the first period.
• First-year Payton Kender responded a minute later with his first collegiate goal, a power-play tally assisted by classmate Aaron Sawicki, to even the score at 1-1.
• JWU regained the lead one minute into the second period on a power play.
• Sophomore Michael Caparco tallied a goal five minutes into the second, assisted by sophomore Damon Kiyawasew and junior Devon Jolley.
• The Wildcats added two more goals to close out the second period, taking a 4-2 lead into the final frame.
• JWU added one more goal to seal the game, seven minutes into the third period.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• JWU narrowly outshot Rivier, 29-30.
• The Raider controlled faceoffs 34-32.
• Junior Mason Meyer recorded 25 saves in-between the pipes.

UP NEXT 

The Raiders are back in action on Saturday, November 1, when they host New England College at Conway Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. as the team celebrates Family Night.