SHELTON, Conn. – Freshman Tyler Hackett (Branford, Conn.) tallied a hat trick in his debut but the Post University men's ice hockey team fell to Marist 4-3 in its season opener on Friday night. The Eagles outshot the Red Foxes 39-30 in the loss.

Marist grabbed an early lead on a power-play goal by Andy Vovk just 3:13 into the contest. The lead did not last long as minutes later freshman Lucas Smith (Calgary, Alberta) found Hackett for his first goal of the night to knot the game 1-1. Post controlled play for the remainder of the first period. With 11:22 remaining, Hackett struck again to put the Eagles in front 2-1 a lead they would hold into the intermission.

Early in the second Marist tied the game as Seamus O'Rourke scored from close range. The Eagles won the ensuing faceoff and peppered the net with shot, but were unable to break through with a goal.
A hooking penalty gave Post a power play late in the second period. Hackett made the most of it as he completed the trick off a pass from freshman Ryan Wagner (Smithfield, R.I.) to put the Eagles back in front heading into the final frame.

Marist tied the game with its third power play goal of the game midway through the third. Vovk scored his second goal of the game just 27 seconds later to give the Red Foxes the victory.

Freshman Steven McHale (Sarasota, Fla.) was impressive in the faceoff circle, winning 12 of his 16 attempts and the Eagles held a 24-18 advantage on faceoffs. Sophomore Joseph Grout (Plainfield, N.H.) made 26 saves between the pipes.

The Eagles return to the ice on Sunday, Oct. 30 at Franklin Pierce. Puck drops in Rindge, N.H. at 5 p.m.