The University of Rhode Island Rams opened ECHA league play this past weekend at the Brad Boss Arena, splitting a two-game series with Villanova University. After falling 3–1 on Friday night behind a stellar performance from the Villanova goaltender, the Rams bounced back with a 3–0 shutout victory on Saturday behind freshman James Hunt, who recorded his first collegiate shutout.

Friday’s opener was tightly contested from start to finish. After Villanova took an early lead, Aidan Darlington tied the game at 10:08 of the second period, assisted by Zach Gold and Shane Mulhern. Despite generating quality chances throughout the night, the Rams were frustrated by Villanova’s netminder, who turned aside 31 of 32 shots to preserve the win for the Wildcats. Villanova regained control early in the third and added an empty-netter late to seal the 3–1 result. Senior Nick Maringola made 19 saves for Rhode Island in a steady effort.

The Rams regrouped on Saturday and responded with one of their most complete performances of the season. Owen Hall broke the scoreless deadlock just 2:14 into the third period, assisted by Corey Szabo and Cam Cyr. Shane Mulhern doubled the lead at 16:58, and Cam Cyr sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute to close out a 3–0 victory. Hunt was outstanding in his first home start, stopping all 26 shots he faced for his first collegiate shutout and first ECHA win.

With the weekend split, Rhode Island moved to 3–1 on the season and 1–1 in ECHA league play, showing both resilience and defensive discipline in their first conference action. The Rams now hit the road, traveling to Towson University for a pair of ECHA league games on Friday and Saturday.

Highlights

• James Hunt: 26 saves, first collegiate shutout and first ECHA win

• Aidan Darlington: 1 goal (Friday)

• Shane Mulhern: 1 goal, 2 assists (1 goal in each game)

• Owen Hall: 1 goal (Saturday, assisted by Corey Szabo and Cam Cyr)

• Cam Cyr: 1 goal (Saturday)

• Zach Gold: 2 assists (1 each game)

• Nick Maringola: 19 saves in Friday’s loss

• Shots on Goal (Friday): URI 32, Villanova 31

• Shots on Goal (Saturday): URI 33, Villanova 26

• Power Play: URI 1-for-4 (weekend total); Villanova 0-for-7

• Record: Rams 3–1 overall, 1–1 ECHA