BOX SCORE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Ryan DiBartolomeo (Leominster, MA) scored twice and Shane Brooks (Kennebunk, ME) turned aside all 32 shots he faced as Southern New Hampshire University opened the 2008-09 ice hockey season with a 2-0 win over Western New England College at Smead Arena Tuesday night.  The Golden Bears fell to 0-2 on the season.

DiBartolomeo got the Penmen on the board just 8:09 into the game on a power play, scoring on assists from Andrew Hildreth (Leominster, MA) and John Frey (Westminster, CO).  DiBartolomeo would add an empty net goal with 24 seconds remaining in the third period.

Brooks registered 32 saves en route to his first career shutout, including 15 in the final period, as the Penmen posted their first shutout since a 5-0 win over Castleton State on December 13, 2005.  Dennis Harrsch made 17 saves for Western New England as the Golden Bears outshot the Penmen 32-19.

SNHU returns to action Saturday night with an exhibition contest at Norwich University at 7:00.  The Cadets reached the NCAA Division III semifinals last season.  The Penmen's next regular season game is Thursday, November 20, when they host Assumption College in their home opener at The Ice Den.