Gulls Triumph 8-1 Over Vikings

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications  

SALEM, Mass. -- Endicott scored four times in the first period as Zach Mazur scored a hat trick and two assists to lead Endicott to an 8-1 victory over Salem State on Tuesday night at Rockett Arena.  The Gulls now stand at 8-3-4 while the Vikings slip to 3-10. 

Prior to the game, coach, MacInnis spoke about how his team is going to bounce back from Saturday's loss against Fitchburg. "Saturday was a tough loss for sure, but I think that we've been in a tough stretch here. We just have to go back to basics and stick with the process, making sure we are paying attention to details and making sure you are doing everything to be on the right side at the end of the day. Keep things simple and not give up…"  MASCAC Rookie of the Year Zach Dill spoke about playing against their North Shore rivals. "It is pretty much a battle of the bridge. We have seen these guys all over the place, a lot of them hang out in Salem so we have seen them a lot. It is really going to be a test for us tonight."  

During the first period of the game, Endicott's Zach Mazur scored the first two goals, displaying exceptional athleticism and precision on the ice. The first goal was scored at 7:56 and was skillfully assisted by Jackson Sterrett and Andrew Kurapov. The second goal was scored just four minutes later, at the 11:34 mark, and was a solo effort by Mazur, who expertly navigated past the defense.  

Towards the end of the period, Ryan Gaulin added to Endicott's lead with a well-timed goal, which Primo Self and Ben Jenkinson assisted at the 18:03 mark. And just fifty two seconds later, Endicott once again demonstrated their prowess on the power play, with Kurapov scoring another goal on an assist from Mazur and Ryan Willett.  

During the second period, the Vikings were eager to make a comeback after being down by four goals in the first period. However, their efforts were thwarted when the Gulls managed to extend their lead just 35 seconds into the period. Carson Whitman of the Vikings was close to scoring, but Jack Ring of the Gulls managed to score from inside the blue line with an assist from Kevin Craig. 

Throughout the second period, Endicott maintained control of the Salem State zone, putting pressure on Aaron Mercer. Despite this, Mercer only allowed one goal in the second period, denying Endicott a chance to increase their lead further.   

Mercer made a fantastic save on a wraparound attempt by the Gulls late in the second period, extending his entire body to prevent a goal. 

Throughout the first two periods, Endicott was able to capitalize on one of their three power plays, while Salem State was unable to convert either of their two power plays into goals. In terms of faceoffs, Endicott won 25 compared to Salem State's 19. Mercer made 31 saves out of 36 shots, while Atticus Kelly, the goalie for Endicott, saved all 16 shots. 

During the third period, Salem State's Carson James scored a goal at the 7:23 minute mark, with the help of Peyton Hughes and Ryan Meagher. However, despite their best efforts, Endicott scored three times during the final twenty minutes of regulation. One of their most notable goals was scored by Mazur, who completed a hat trick with a power play goal at the 17:42 minute mark. 

Endicott was 2 for 5 (.400) on their power play, while Salem State was 0 for 2 (.000). Mercer saved 52 of 60 shots, while Atticus Kelly saved 24 of 25 shots.  

Salem State will be looking to bounce back after tonight's loss when they welcome Framingham State on Thursday for a Massachusetts State Athletic Conference (MASCAC) contest. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.