NEWARK, NJ -- The NJIT men's hockey team were hoping to start their 2021-2022 campaign with a strong performance against the St. Joseph's Hawks. But, the Hawks would be the ones to put on the great effort in a 8-1 win over the Highlanders. NJIT starts the season 0-1 at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House.

St. Joseph's would score less than two minutes into the game to take an early lead. The Highlanders would respond a minute later when Freshman Matthew Francescutto scored his 1st goal in his collegiate career. Ted Lee would get the lone assist on the goal to tie the score. The Hawks would get two late goals in the 1st to take a 3-1 lead.

From 2nd period on, St. Joseph's would control possession and zone time as they scored 5 more goals between the 2nd and 3rd periods to win by that 8-1 final score. NJIT had many power play opportunities in the 3rd, but could not convert. Freshman net minder James Bond made 45 saves in his debut.

Goals: Francescutto

Assists: Lee

Saves: Bond 45 saves

SOG: St. Joseph's - 53                   NJIT- 13

PP: St. Joseph's - 2/8                     NJIT - 0/5

PK: St. Joseph's - 5/5                    NJIT - 6/8

The Highlanders will next play in their annual home-and-home set against the Stevens Ducks this coming Friday and Saturday, both at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House. Friday's game will be an NJIT home game, while Saturday's game will be a road game, both games will be at 8:30 pm.