The Suffolk University men’s hockey team opened up its 2013-2014 season this past Sunday against Assumption College.

Last season ended on a disappointing note for Suffolk by just missing the playoffs with a 6-13-6 record, going only 3-7-4 in the ECAC  conference.

This year head coach Chris Glionna has a team that was once a younger group, but now has ice time together over the past couple of years. This time together should translate into wins for this club who has been an average team with above average talent.

When the puck dropped this past Sunday in Salem, N.H. the Rams were ready to go.

Assumption took three penalties in the first period, and Suffolk was able to capitalize. ECAC Northeast honorable mention Tim Sprage picked up right where he left off. Sprague netted Suffolk’s first goal of the year 13:38 into the contest, his goal being assisted by two Suffolk vets in Charlie McGinnis and defenseman Jon Stauffer.

In the second, it was Suffolk that felt the pressure on the penalty kill. On the second power play of the period for Assumption, they snuck one past Suffolk goaltender Brandon Smolarek to tie the game at 1-1.

After being assessed another penalty, Suffolk was able to skate into the locker room after the second period still tied at one apiece.

The game would be decided in the third period with a virtual tie after 40 minutes. Just 3:34 into that decisive third period, Suffolk regained the lead. Right winger Mike Cherpark was able to beat the Assumption goaltender while being assisted by Dan Mazzei and Simon Leahy.

After Cherpark’s goal, seven penalties were called in the period; four against Assumption and three against Suffolk. Each team was able to kill those penalties showing strong defensive hockey.

Three minutes after Suffolk took its timeout, Tim Sprague found the back of the net yet again. Sprague notched his second of the game and of the young season at 16:53 into the third leaving little wind in the sails of Assumption. Jon Stauffer again assisted Sprague along with Carmen Mastrangelo to put Suffolk ahead by two goals.

The final horn came about three minutes later with the scoreboard still reading 3-1 Suffolk.

It’s always important to start the season off on the right foot and build momentum as this hockey team has.

The Rams’ next game is on Nov. 9. in a NECAC matchup at Salve Regina. This will start a five-game stretch against ECAC opponents for Suffolk who is sharing home rinks this year between the Charlestown DCR rink, and the usual Steriti Rink in the North End.