South Burlingtion, Vt. (January 20) -- Despite a spectacular defensive effort from junior goaltender Chris Hemhauser (Old Saybrook, Conn. / Glastonbury), the Assumption College men's ice hockey team fell to Saint Michael's College by a score of 1-0 in the final minutes of a Northeast-10 Conference match-up on Tuesday evening.

The Greyhounds, who have allowed just two goals over their last three NE-10 contests, drop to 7-11 on the season (3-4 NE-10) while the Purple Knights improve to 6-8-2 overall (2-0-2 NE-10).

The Hounds were led by Hemhauser who notched an impressive 45 stops on the day, topping his previous season-high total of 44 against Saint Anselm on December 3.

Both squads battled throughout two scoreless periods before the Purple Knights broke the tie with less than four minutes left in regulation. Saint Michael's Kevin Altidor skated near the right post and sent a cross-crease pass that deflected off a Greyhound skate and trickled past the line for the lone tally of the game. 

In the first period, Saint Michael's held an 11-7 edge in shots, six of which came during a pair of power plays. The Hounds had one power play opportunity in the period but attempts throughout the two minutes were blocked, including a close one off the stick of junior Brandon Bete (Greenfield, Mass. / Northfield Mount Hermon) at 16:15.

In the second period, Erban got a good look on a quick breakaway after Hemhauser deflected two back-to-back shots from the Purple Knights. He rushed toward the other end of the ice for the strike but the attempt was refused by Saint Michael's goalie Dave Donzanti.

In the final minutes of the contest, senior Brennen Shaw (Presque Isle, Maine / Brewster Academy) blasted a shot from the right circle at 17:01 that was halted by Donzanti. Freshman Matt Cowles (Farmington, Conn. / Avon Old Farms) also tried to penetrate the Purple Knight defense as the clock dwindled after the Hounds pulled Hemhauser in favor of an extra skater with just 55 seconds left. Cowles' shot came firing directly from a face off but was saved by Donzanti to end the game.

Overall, the Hounds were outshot 46-22 on the day while both teams failed to capitalize on three power play opportunities apiece. 

The Greyhounds are set to return to action on Thursday, Jan. 22, as they travel to Suffolk for a 7 p.m. non-conference match-up.

For the latest on Assumption College Athletics, follow the Hounds via social media on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. For more information, contact the Office of Athletic Communications at 508-767-7240.