ASTON, Pa. - February 18, 2021 - The Chatham Men's Hockey team traveled to Aston, Pa. earlier this afternoon for a neutral-ice matchup against Manhattanville College. The Cougars defeated the Valiants 3-1, giving them their first conference win of the season. The game marked the first United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) competition of the season.

Chatham broke open the scoring early in the first when senior forward Niko Moulakelis found the back of the net off of a feed from defenseman Jake Reed. The Valiants were slow to catch up, but scored their equalizer with just under three minutes left in the period.

With the game tied going into the second, the Cougars continued to battle in the Manhattanville zone. The Valiants spent almost a third of the period shorthanded, which prevented them from generating any significant offense.

Senior Michael Thamert was able to capitalize for the Cougars halfway through the period thanks to efforts by classmates Niko Moulakelis and Eric Hildebrand.

With a one-goal lead heading into the third period, Chatham did not waste any time reaffirming their offense. Junior Michael Lamison scored a mere 48 seconds into the period. Lamison's unassisted goal would end up being the game-winner as Manhattanville took advantage of one more scoring opportunity to conclude the period on a Cougars penalty kill.

The Cougars' offense had the upper hand throughout the game as they outshot the Valiants 24 to 20. First-year Carson Grainer logged a game-high five shots on goal, followed by Michael Lamison with three. Five different Cougars earned a point in the game, Moulakelis leading the charge with two points off of a goal and assist.

Junior goaltender Ricardo Gonzalez made 18 saves in the win.

The Cougars take the ice in Aston again tomorrow for another UCHC matchup against Neumann University. Puck drop is set for 4 PM.