ASTON, Pa. – Marlon Gardner netted a hat trick to lead the Neumann College men's ice hockey team to a 4-2 win over Manhattanville College Friday night in the opening game of ECAC West conference play.

Manhattanville open the scoring with a goal in the last minute of play of the first period. Neumann answered with a goal 1:25 into the second period as Gardner scored his first goal on the power play. Gardner then netted his second goal, also on the power play, as time was winding down in the second period to the Knights a 2-1 lead in the second intermission.

The Valiants tied the game at two part way through the third period. Gardner scored his third goal, again on the power play, with less then two minutes left in regulation. Michael Hedden netted an empty net goal to seal the win.

Neumann improves to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in the ECAC West. Manhattanville is now 1-1, 0-1 in ECAC West play.

The two teams will face-off again tomorrow night. The game is slated to start at 7 p.m.