SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.—The Skidmore College hockey team opened the 2017-18 campaign with a 4-3 nonleague loss to Nichols College Friday night at the Saratoga Springs City Rink.
 
The Thoroughbreds were whistled for 16 penalties and the Bison took advantage with three power-play goals, including two 5-on-3 tallies in the third period.
 
Skidmore grabbed a 1-0 lead when Brandon Borges scored a power-play goal glove side high from just outside the left faceoff circle at 1:25 of the first.  His first collegiate goal was assisted by Owen Campbell and Tyler Hall.
 
Nichols tied it with Chris Deming's power-play goal at 4:09 of the second from Ben Campbell and T.J. Roche. The Thoroughbreds went back in front on a Max Hegge goal from Mickey Foley and Matt Bernot at 7:54.  The Bison tied two seconds after Skidmore killed off a :55 5-on-3. Ben Campbell was credited with the goal from Hogan Davidon and Nicholas Mangone at 12:47.
 
In the third period, Nichols connected on consecutive 5-on-3 power plays to go up 4-2. Scott Cuthrell scored both. The first at 6:09 and the second at 8:36.  Skidmore pulled to within one, 4-3, when Matt Muzyka scored his first collegiate goal at 12:13 from Adam Moodie and Jake McCarthy. 
 
Nichols outshot Skidmore 26-19 and connected on three of 14 power plays. The Thoroughbreds scored on one of five power plays.
 
Brandon Kasel had 22 saves for Skidmore, while Colin Brennan stopped 16 shots for the Bison.
 
The Thoroughbreds open NEHC play Nov. 3 at New England College at 7:30 p.m.