NASHUA, N.H. – The Rivier men's ice hockey team fell to the Pilgrims of New England College in their home opener on Saturday evening at Conway Arena, 6-2. 

With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 0-2, while the Pilgrims started their 2025-26 campaign at 1-0. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• The Pilgrims opened the scoring on a power play goal five minutes into the first period. 

• The Raiders tied it up, 1-1, when first-year Aaron Sawicki netted his first collegiate goal just 53 seconds into the second period. 

• NEC responded with three unanswered goals to take a 4-1 lead. 

• Sawicki struck again in the 14th minute of the second period, cutting the deficit to two 

• The Pilgrims added a short-handed goal with six seconds left in the period 

• NEC scored again five minutes into the third period to make it 6-2

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN 

• Sophomore goaltender Josh Kirton recorded 26 saves for the Raiders 

• NEC held the advantage in shots on goal, 36-15 

• The pilgrims recorded 56 shots to the Raiders' 37 

UP NEXT  
The Raiders are back in action on Friday, November 7, when they head to Harrisville, R.I., to face non-conference opponent Nichols at Levy Rink. The opening face-off is set for 6:40 p.m.