FOXBORO, Mass. - Junior Chris Chambers (Crofton, Md.) recorded two goals and an assist Thursday evening to lead Plymouth State University to a 5-3 victory over Stonehill College in the ECAC Northeast Conference men's ice hockey season opener for both schools at the Foxboro Sports Center.

            The Panthers overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-1, scoring four unanswered goals, including three straight in the third period to seal the win.  It's the first season-opening victory for PSU since defeating Stonehill 5-4 to open the 2003-04 campaign.

            After a scoreless first period, Stonehill got on the board with a pair of goals just 18 seconds apart early in the second period.  Senior David Schermerhorn (Norwich, Conn.) gave the Skyhawks the lead just 1:26 into the frame on a shot near the front of the net , and sophomore Eric Scholl (Wilmington, Mass.) scored off the rebound of a Schermerhorn slapshort at 2:53 for a 2-0 score.

            Chambers got one back a minute later to pull the Panthers to within a goal.  The teams traded goals midway through the middle frame, senior Paul Reissenfelder (Plymouth, Mass.) punching home a rebound for Stonehill and freshman Chris Zaremba (Colorado Springs, Colo.) scoring for PSU on a pass right in front of the net, and Stonehill took a 3-2 lead into the third period.

            Freshman Justin Phenney (Brunswick,,Ohio) needed only 20 seconds to tie the game for PSU. Chambers fed sophomore Jason Butler (Farmington, Conn.) for the eventual game-winner at 12:27 of the period, just as a Panther power play had expired.  Chambers added an insurance tally on a breakaway with a minute remaining.

            Freshman Allen Schneider (Strongsville, Ohio) registered the victory in goal for the Panthers, making 24 saves, including 10 in the third period.  Sophomore Mike Manna (Framingham, Mass.) made 26 saves in the Skyhawk net.

            PSU is back on the ice Saturday at 5:30 p.m. with an ECAC Northeast contest at conference newcomer Westfield State College. Stonehill returns to action next Tuesday when it travels to UMass-Dartmouth for a 7:30 p.m. face-off. 

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