The game was UMass Boston against Babson. But the focus was another matchup, one that was quite unusual.

In what was an unofficial NCAA first, Beacons hockey player, 48-year-old Dana Marek, had the opportunity to do something no other father had ever done: play against his son in a collegiate leggiate varsity game.

With his wife, Diana, in the stands, Dana played five shifts against his 20-year-old son, Steve. Although neither Marek figured in the scoring, it didn’t detract from the unprecedented event. In recognition of the special nature of the occurrence, both Mareks were on the ice for the opening faceoff, Dana at left wing for the Beacons and Steve at right wing for the Beavers.

As for the game, Babson got goals from five different players, giving Babson a 5-1 victory. Beaver goaltender Greg Berard recorded 20 saves.

The game was relatively close after two periods, with Babson holding a 2-1 lead. But the Beavers scored three goals in a little over three minutes in the third period, including one on the power play.

Forward Sean Walsh got the only goal for the Beacons and Jonathan Serriello, recently named the ECAC East Ice Hockey Goaltender of the Week for the week of November 26, turned back 38 shots.