SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Rivier men's ice hockey team dropped a 4-1 decision to Saint Michael's in non-conference action to open the new year.

With the result, the Raiders moved to 1-11-1, while the Purple Knights moved to 6-4-3.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the opening 13 minutes of play, Saint Michael's outshot Rivier 15-9.
• The Purple Knights scored twice late to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
• Saint Michael's knocked in another 2:21 into the second frame.
• Despite Rivier pouring in 25 shots and putting 10 on goal, the Purple Knights held the Raiders scoreless heading into the final 20 minutes, 3-0.
• First-year Payton Kender broke through 1:28 into the final frame to put the Raiders on the board.
• The Purple Knights answered at 2:36 to restore their three-goal lead.
• The Raiders kept the pressure on, firing 14 shots, but were unable to capitalize.
• Saint Michael's capped the game with two late goals in the final five minutes, including an empty netter for a 6-1 final. 

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• Rivier narrowly outshot Saint Michael's 56-53.
• Sophomore goaltender Josh Kirton recorded 27 saves
• Kender led the offense, producing eight shots, five on target, and a tally.
• The Purple Nights controlled faceoffs 38-21.

UP NEXT

The Raiders wrap up their Vermont road trip on Saturday, January 3, with a 1:00 p.m. puck drop against the Purple Knights at Cairns Arena.