MCLA Skates Past Salem State 3-1

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass. - Cade Herrera (Brentwood, Calif.) scored twice and Mathew Gover (Atkinson, NH) saved 40 of 41 shots to lead MCLA to 3-1 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) victory over Salem State on Thursday evening at Rockett Arena. The Trailblazers improved to 5-16-1, 3-14-1 on the season while the Vikings dropped to 6-15-1, 6-11-1.

The Trailblazers managed to strike first at the 12:18 mark when Luke Rhoss (Monro, NY) passed the puck to Herrera, who slammed it home. Rhoss and Connor Nagy (Treton, MI) were credited with the assists. However, the Trailblazers were eager to increase their lead. Fortunately for the Vikings, goalie Will Nepveu (Montreal, Quebec) managed to deny the Trailblazers. 

In the second, Gavin Glaubeitz  (Owings, MD.) was just inches away from increasing the Trailblazers' lead, but Nepveu made an unbelievable save. Nevertheless, throughout the period, MCLA played an excellent defensive game by blocking shots and keeping the scoring at bay.

As the period progressed, Salem State had a few chances to put the puck inside the net, but Gover did not allow that to happen. MCLA had a five-on-three power play, but Nepveu made some tough saves during the power play, keeping the score 1-0 in favor of the Trailblazers.

At the 17:11 mark, Nagy went to the box for interference, and the Vikings made the Trailblazers pay when Larsson beat Grover on a wrap-around from the left side with Skylar Miller (Chandler, Ariz.)  and Luke Pepin  (Lee, N.H.) credited with the assists, tying the score at 1-1.

Throughout the first two periods, Nepeveu saved 25 of 26 shots, while Gover saved 26 of 27 shots. MCLA couldn't convert any of their four power plays, while Salem State had a 1 for 3 conversion rate.

Salem State came out  of  the locker room determined to break the 1-1 tied and sweep the season series. However, MCLA's Alex Ferris (Enfield, Ct.) positioned himself on the left side of the and found Herrera, who scored, breaking the 1-1 tie at the 1:36 mark to give the Trailblazers a 2-1 lead. Salem State, did give up easily and was looking to tie the game once again. Jake Stapert (Flemington, N.J.)  took a shot at the goal and managed to take another shot off the rebound, but unfortunately, the goalie, Gover, denied his attempts to score.   

As the period progressed, Salem State continued to put immense pressure on Gover, but unfortunately, they were unable to get the puck inside the net. Grover was exceptional and denied Larsson three times after two straight rebounds. Later the game became chippy as Larsson and Gallagher were sent to the box for roughing at the 11:16 mark. At the 11:54 mark, Miller was sent to the box for elbowing while Ferris went to the box for embellishment.   

Towards the end of the game, the Vikings had some chances to score on a two-man advantage and later three-man advantage, but unfortunately, they couldn't capitalize, and the Trailblazers held on for the victory. Nepveu saved 35 of 38 shots, while Gover saved 40 of 41 shots. MCLA went 0 for 5 on the power play, while Salem State only managed to convert one of their eight power play opportunities. 

Salem State will try and bounce back this Saturday, February 10, when they travel  to take on UMass-Dartmouth. Puck drops at 5:30.