MANCHESTER, N.H. – Only a late goal from Nic Pierog prevented the Manchester Monarchs being shutout in the home opener on Friday night.
Manchester fell at the hands of the Newfoundland Growlers, 4-1, giving Newfoundland its first road win in franchise history.
Derian Plouffe provided the Growlers’ first goal 8:59 into the first period and Newfoundland doubled their lead in the second period thanks to Marcus Power’s first goal of the season.
Although Pierog’s goal at 17:05 in the third put the game in reach, Newfoundland added two late empty-net goals to earn the victory.
Manchester returns to the ice at SNHU Arena on Saturday at 6 p.m. as they face the Reading Royals.