BY CHRIS ARNAUDO // Feb. 26, 2017 //

The Curry Colonels’ men’s hockey season came to a bitter end last night at the hands of the University of New England. However, the 4-2 tally does not tell the story of this slow demise.

Curry came in with high hopes as the #4 seed in the Commonwealth Coast Conference tournament, earning the right to host the #5 seed Nor’easters. The Colonels also already registered 8-4 and 3-2 victories over UNE this regular season.

However, the Nor’easters probably had that in the back of their minds too and came out fast on their way to outshooting Curry 10-4 in the opening period. “We couldn’t find the start we wanted to,” senior Tyler Vankleef said postgame.

Just thirteen minutes into the game, senior Chris Harlow netted the games’ first goal. The Colonels we’re only down 1-0, but their body language suggested a much larger deficit.

“Sometimes there’s games where all the effort is there, but it doesn’t look like it,” said head coach T.J. Manastersky about his team’s energy.

Things went from bad to worse in the second period when UNE added a trio of goals. Two of them came on power plays from sophomore defenseman Tucker Ross. CCC Player of the year and First Team All-CCC member Brady Fleurent registered the fourth goal sandwiched in between Ross’ goals.

Sophomore Lionel Mauron finally formulated a response and put Curry on the board three minutes before the period ended.

However, during the intermission, a few Colonels sat outside of the locker room. None of them had their heads down, but all showed signs of defeat.

What would be the final period of Curry’s 2016-17 season lacked intensity and sense of urgency. It took over 12 minutes, and a 5-on-3 power play for the Colonels to claw back to within 2 goals. Mauron was credited with the goal again with assists from Vankleef and senior Jake Heisinger.

With two minutes still showing on the clock, senior goaltender Brett Sinclair was pulled from the net to provide an extra attacker. The Nor’easters didn’t give up any good looks, though, despite four forwards loading the slot with one pressuring the puck carrier. The clock bled down to zero before the Colonels could ring another one home.

Curry ends the season with a 14-10-2 record overall and despite the tough end; Manastersky had only positive things to say about his first recruit class ending their Colonel Careers.

“I told them that I love them and I’m gonna miss [all 11 of them]. They’ve set such a great foundation for this program,” said coach Manastersky.

We wish all the best to the graduating members of the Curry Hockey team and thank them for their time gracing our campus and the Max Ulin Rink.