AMHERST, Mass. – Special teams was the difference maker as the Union College men's hockey team fell to #6 UMass, 7-0, Saturday night at the Mullins Center.

The Minutemen scored four power-play goals in five opportunities while Union was held scoreless in six chances.

Despite outshooting UMass 16-14 in the first period, it was the Minutemen that found the back of the net first. Matt Koopman won a battle in front of the junior Connor Murphy and lifted the puck over Murphy's shoulder to give UMass a 1-0 lead.

Union ran into penalty trouble in the second period and the Minutemen were quick to capitalize with three power-play goals. Scott Morrow scored on the powerplay 3:22 into the period and Lucas Mercuri backhanded one past Murphy to extend the lead. Morrow added a second power-play goal in the frame before Michael Cameron scored one to take a 5-0 lead.

UMass recorded their fourth power-play goal of the night in the third period from Tyson Dyck. Taylor Makar added his second goal of the weekend in the final period.

Murphy stopped 31 shots in the loss while Cole Brady made 32 saves for the win.

Union opens ECAC Hockey conference play this week with a home-and-home with rival Rensselaer beginning on Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Houston Field House.