HARRISVILLE, R.I. (11/15/2024) – Senior Gabe Temple scored two goals, freshman Luca Ricci added three assists and sophomore Nick Anderson made 35 saves as the Nichols College men's ice hockey team topped Conference of New England (CNE) opponent, Suffolk University, on Friday night from Levy Rink. The Bison scored three second period goals to secure a 4-1 victory over the Rams.

Temple scored his first and second goals of the season. Senior Josh Dickson and Nathan Carl each added goals as well for the Bison in the win. Ricci tallied his first points with the Bison to lead the way offensively. Carl also added an assist alongside sophomore Jack Lee and freshmen Ryan Austin and Dimitri Voyatzis.

After a scoreless first 20 minutes that saw both teams feel the other out. Suffolk outshot the Bison 8-6. Nichols opened the scoring in the second period. Ricci led an outlet pass to Temple and Temple looked for a centering pass for a streaking Lee, the pass was deflected by the Ram defender and into the net for a 1-0 Bison led. Suffolk responded with a goal of their own off a turnover in the slot. The Rams made the Bison pay, leveling the score at 1-1 with 12:52 remaining in the second.

 Nichols grabbed the lead once again thanks to Dickson. Ricci forced a turnover in the defensive zone and his outlet pass found Voyatzis. Voyatzis sent a pass to Dickson and Dickson cut back into the slot and caught the Suffolk netminder cheating to the post and ripped a shot inside the near post and under the cross bar for a 2-1 Nichols lead. This was Dickson's team leading fourth goal of the season.

The Bison added to their lead with 1:08 remaining in the second period, Nichols scored their second power-play goal once again coming off the stick of Temple. Great passing between Carl, Lee and Temple found the Fowlerville, Michigan native open on the back door and he buried the puck into the open cage. Nichols took a 3-1 lead into the locker room after two periods.

In the third period, Suffolk upped the pressure but with no luck. Nichols added insurance with a doorstep tip coming off the stick of Carl. The Ricci onetimer was deflected by Carl past the outstretched Suffolk goalie for a 4-1 Nichols lead. This was Carl's first goal of the season.

Anderson was excellent in the net for the Bison making 35 saves in the win. Nichols was a perfect 5-5 on the penalty kill and went 2-3 on the power-play.

Nichols (2-2-1, 1-1-1 CNE) will look to add another win against Suffolk on the road. Puck drop is set for 4:50 p.m. in Boston, Mass.