BURLINGTON, VT. — The LIU men's hockey team is off to its best start in program history.

The Sharks (8-5-1) defeated Vermont (Hockey East) 3-2 on Friday night, earning their fifth road win of the 2024-25 season and the program's first-ever victory against the Catamounts.

Josh Zary, who now has goals in four consecutive games, opened the scoring for the Sharks with a first-period power-play goal. LIU entered the evening boasting the third-best power play in NCAA Division I hockey.

Onni Leppänen, the reigning NCAA Independent Hockey Rookie of the Month, put LIU ahead 2-1 in the opening minute of the second period with his fifth goal in six games. Leppänen also recorded an assist on Zary's opening goal and has registered at least one point in all six games of his collegiate career.

Andrius Kulbis-Marino sealed the win with an empty-net goal, marking his first career tally as a Shark, as LIU secured its fifth win in its last six games.

"I could not be more proud of our team effort tonight. We found a way and continue to push forward throughout this challenging stretch," head coach Brett Riley said.

Riley Wallack, Chris Pappas, Carter Rapalje, and Connor Gregga each notched an assist in the win.

LIU goaltender Tyriq Outen improved to 3-0 as a Shark, winning his third consecutive game and his first against a Hockey East opponent after stopping 30 shots.

LIU and Vermont will face off again Saturday at 6 p.m.