Pilgrims Stop Vikings 4-1

SALEM, Mass. – Alex LaPlante scored a goal and added an assist to lead New England College to their fifth straight win, a 4-1 decision over Salem State at Rockett Arena on Thursday evening. The Pilgrims improve to 7-5 while the Vikings head to the break, 2-8.

New England College exploded for three goals in a four-minute span to jump out to a quick 3-0 first period lead. Chris Lee found LaPlante for a breakaway goal just 1:12 into the game. Lee then put home a goal on a 2-on-1 giving the Pilgrims a 2-0 advantage before Jhuwon Davis converted an open look at the 5:12 mark for the trifecta.

LaPlante blasted a shot past goalie Hunter Thomas for New England College's fourth goal with 4:29 left in the second for the lone score of the period.

Salem State's Connor Woolley scored an unassisted goal early in the third to try and jumpstart the Vikings' offense. However, goalie Spencer Kozlowski remained sharp, stopping 35 shots on the night, and denied Salem State the rest of the way. Thomas started in net for Salem State making 17 saves. Aaron Mercer replaced Thomas in the third and saved all 10 shots he faced. The Vikings held a 36-31 margin in shots on goal.