MIDDLETOWN, CT. – The Wesleyan men's ice hockey team fell in non-conference action on Tuesday evening, facing a 2-0 shutout defeat by Saint Michael's College from Spurrier-Snyder Arena.

Starting goaltender Nathan Kirschenbaum '27 was steady in his first outing with the Cardinals (3-7-0 overall), holding off a stealthy Purple Knights (8-4-2 overall) offense as both teams went shot for shot in the opening period. While the Knights held the slightest offensive edge, the Cardinals were quick to recalibrate out of the defensive zone.

Entering the second period, the Cardinals would see two power plays awarded for the extra attacker. While no goals would be registered, the Cardinals ran up seven total shots on Evan Plunkett. A short-handed breakaway by Owen Mahar '29 nearly gave the Cardinals the opening lead, but the freshman was stopped by Plunkett. With the game still scoreless with 20 seconds remaining in the period, the Knights scored the game-winning goal because of a turnover just inside the Cardinals blue line. Hans Forselius was credited with the goal.

Another late goal by the Knights would close the final period of the game, Nick Wracker scoring a deflected empty-net goal while down an attacker. The Cardinals earned a five-minute power play before pulling Kirschenbaum for the extra man.

Dylan Margel '29 and Dallas D'Amato '27 led all Cardinals with four shots on goal. From the circle, Mahar was good for 11 faceoff wins.

Kirschenbaum finished the evening with 19 saves in goal. In the opposite net, Plunkett finished with 31 saves.

The Cardinals return to action on Friday, Jan. 9, when they host Williams at 7 p.m.