Middlebury broke open a 1-1 game with three third period goals en route to a 4-1 win at Tufts in the season-opener for both teams. The Panthers return to action on Saturday at Connecticut College.

Tufts led 1-0 with a power play goal from Ken Cleary at 15:07. Middlebury tied the game at the 17:51 mark of the period on a goal from Justin Gaines.

Eric LaFreniere gave Middlebury a 2-1 lead at 16:42 as he wristed in a crossing pass from Darwin Hunt. Evgeny Saidachev struck just 53 seconds later with a similar shot to make it a 3-1 game. Saidachev added a short handed empty-netter with 49 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Ross Cherry made 25 saves in goal to earn the win, as Middlebury out shot Tufts, 40-26 on the night.