UTICA, NY – The nationally-ranked No. 8/11 Utica College men's hockey team defeated visiting Manhattanville College 5-1 in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference opener for both teams on Tuesday night at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Utica (1-2, 1-0 UCHC) picked up its first win of the season after falling in two close games last weekend against national power Adrian College. Manhattanville dropped to 0-1 on the year.

UC's third line of freshman Eric Holland (Whitby, ON/Brockville Braves (CCHL)), classmate Regen Cavanagh (Chesapeake, VA/Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)) and sophomore Josh Haskin (Troy, NY/P.A.L. Jr. Islanders (USPHL)) had an outstanding afternoon. The trio teamed up for nine points in the contest.  Haskin finished with a career-best four assists, while Cavanagh lit the lamp twice and added a helper of his own.  Holland chipped in with his first collegiate goal and assist.

The Pioneers took a convincing 3-0 first period lead behind goals from senior captain Gregg Burmaster (Clinton, NY/Colorado College (NCHC)), Cavanagh and freshman Tyler Dill (South Lake Tahoe, CA/Charlotte Rush (USPHL-Premier)). It was the second of the year for Burmaster and Dill, while Cavanagh lit the lamp for the first time in the blue and orange. 

Manhattanville answered with a goal before the end of the first to make the score 3-1 after 20 full minutes of play.  Cory Anderson put the Valiants on the board with under five minutes to go in the opening frame.

UC extended its lead to 5-1 in the second period behind goals from Cavanagh and freshman classmate Eric Holland (Whitby, ON/Brockville Braves (CCHL)).  Cavanagh's second of the night came 5:01 into the second period, while Holland's tally was midway through the period.

Both teams were held in check in the third period as the Pioneers skated to a four goal win.

Utica's Conor Landrigan (New Tripoli, PA/Binghamton Jr. Sens (NAHL)), Zach Borsoi (Brossard, Quebec/Gloucester (CCHL)) and Joey Rutkowski (Rome, NY/Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)) each registered an assist on the evening.

Utica freshman goalie Sean Dickson (Millbrae, CA/Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL-Premier)) picked up his first collegiate victory as he stopped 29 shots in net for the Pioneers. Tyler Feaver stopped 24 shots in net for the Valiants.

The Pioneers return to the ice on Saturday night for AmeriCU Jersey Night at the Adirondack Bank Center as they host Neumann University for UCHC action at 7 p.m. Utica will wear collector's edition pink uniforms that are currently being auctioned off.  Visit ucpioneers.com/americu for bidding information.