RUTLAND, Vt.-The fifth-ranked Hobart College hockey team defeated Castleton 4-2 in the New England Hockey Conference opener for both teams at Spartan Arena this evening. The Statesmen are now 3-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in NEHC play.
 
First-year Zach Tyson led the Statesmen, assisting on three of Hobart's four goals. Senior Jonas Toupal added a goal and an assist in the win. First-year Liam Lascelle made 26 saves in his collegiate debut. Five different players recorded a point for the Spartans (0-1-1, 0-1-0). Wyatt Pickrell made 33 saves in goal.
 
The Statesmen opened the scoring at the 9:20 mark of the first period on Ryan Lynch's first goal of the season. His power-play goal was assisted by Tyson and senior Jack Macnee. Lynch banked in a shot from the left post that trickled over Pickrell's shoulder and across the goal line.
 
Castleton tied the game just over two minutes later when Troy Taylor fired home his first goal of the season on a blast from the point. The power-play goal was assisted by Jason Bilski.
 
Hobart took a 2-1 lead 74 seconds later on Toupal's team leading fifth goal of the season. The goal was assisted by sophomore TJ Schultz and Tyson.
 
The Spartans tied the game at two 4:37 into the second period when Asa Palker banked home his first goal of the season. His power-play goal was assisted by Jahwara Rennalls and Mark Shroyer. Sixty-seven seconds later, The Statesmen jumped in front for good when junior Lawson MacDougall scored his third goal of the season. Junior Zach Sternbach and Toupal were credited with assists on the goal.
 
Sophomore Travis Schneider added a shorthanded goal at 1:34 of the third period. Tyson was credited with an assist on the goal.
 
After Hobart was whistled for a penalty with just under two minutes remaining in regulation, Castleton pulled their goalie in favor of the extra attacker. With the net vacated, Hobart had three chances to extend their lead. Schneider had a shot ring off the left pipe. Tyson jumped on the rebound and had his shot hit the right post. As time expired, Julien Denicourt also fired a shot off the post.
 
The Statesmen finished the game with a 37-28 edge in shots on goal. Hobart was 1-for-3 on the power play while Castleton finished the game 2-for-10 with the extra attacker.
 
Hobart is back in action tomorrow, Nov. 3, when it takes on No. 12 Norwich in Northfield, Vt. Faceoff at Kreitzberg Arena is scheduled for 4 p.m.