After tying the game at 1-1 early in the second period, the Franklin Pierce University men’s ice hockey team surrendered four goals over the remainder of the stanza, as the tide turned on the way to an 8-1 loss to Wesleyan in non-conference play at Spurrier-Snyder Rink on Sunday afternoon. Freshman forward James Morrissey scored his first collegiate goal in defeat for Franklin Pierce.
With the loss, Franklin Pierce falls to 6-4-0, while Wesleyan improves to 3-1-0.
On Saturday, the Ravens lost to Trinity, 12-1.
Wesleyan struck for the only goal of the first period on Sunday afternoon in the Nutmeg State. Franklin Pierce drew even, with a power-play marker just 93 seconds into the second frame. It was the first career goal for Morrissey, with senior defenseman Alex Schleper providing the lone assist, at the 1:33 mark.
Wesleyan had the answer just 2:19 later, on the second goal of the year for junior forward Cam McCusker, which would ultimately stand as the game-winning goal.
Things would snowball from there for the Cardinals, who poured in three goals in the final 5:51 of the middle frame.
Junior goaltender Tom McGuckin played the first 44:06 in front of the Franklin Pierce net and took the loss (6-4-0) after making 15 saves against 22 shots on goal. Senior netminder Austin Christopher took over for the final 15:54 and collected 12 saves against 13 shots.
The Ravens return to the ice on Saturday, Dec. 3, when they return home to host Fitchburg State. Opening faceoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Jason Ritchie Ice Arena in Winchendon, Mass.