Salem State Blanks Worcester State 4-0

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

WORCESTER, Mass.- Landyn Greatorex (Reading, Mass.) picked up a goal and an assist while Hunter Thomas (Schwenksville, Pa.) recorded his second straight shutout as Salem State picked up a 4-0 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic  Conference (MASCAC) win over Worcester State on Saturday night at Fidelity Ice Center. The Vikings boost their overall record to 5-12, 5-8 while the Lancers slipped to 4-13,3-10.  

Prior to the game, coach MacInnis expressed what it would take to beat the Lancers. "It is going to take a full team effort from our forwards, back of the d[efense] and the goalie. Is has got to be everyone contributing, but you know we are kind of trending in the right direction…"    

The Vikings were granted their first power play of the game when Luc Fricchione (West Springfield, Mass.)  was penalized for interference, and they took advantage of the opportunity. Mitch Wilkie, positioned on the left side, scored on Friedlander to give Salem State a 1-0 lead, Greatorex and Carson Whitman (Boston, Mass.) credited with the assists. Wilkie show his emotions on the ice after scoring the first goal of the game at the 13:42 mark. 

As the period came to a close, Worcester State's Jason Lee (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) attempted to tie the game with a shot from about 20 feet, but Salem State's goaltender, Thomas, made a save between his legs. 

After the first 20 minutes of regulation, Salem State held a 1-0 lead over Worcester State heading into the second period.   

During the second period, the Vikings were determined to  add on to their score. However, Friedlander, the Lancers' goaltender, was able to block their attempts on two different occasions. Despite Worcester State creating immense pressure on the Vikings' goaltender Thomas, the Salem State defense did an excellent job during the Lancers' power play, keeping the score at 1-0.   

Worcester State was on a five-on-four power play when Greatorex  scored a shorthanded goal as he shot the puck top-shelf from the left side, increasing the Vikings' lead to 2-0. 

Greatorex  talked about the goal. "It is always big to shoot the puck into the net when they have a power play and an advantage." He also added "I've been struggling to score, so definitely having the first one hopefully keeps me in rhythm to keep scoring." 

Despite having a 2-0 lead, the Vikings were not ready to give up. Salem State tallied another goal when Erik Larsson (Lake, Tahoe, Calif.) scored on an assist from Zach Dill (Lake Tahoe, Calif.) and Rafael Praysner (Allen, Texas.) at the 14:12 mark. The Salem State bench was fired up after the goal, and they were determined to secure their win. 

In terms of faceoffs won, Salem State had an advantage, winning 23 compared to Worcester State's 18. The Lancers were unable to convert on any of their four power play chances, while the Vikings were unsuccessful on two. Friedlander was able to save 20 of 23 shots, while Thomas saved all 22 shots. 

After the game Coach MacInnis talked about what he told his players heading into the third period. "We've been talking a lot, figuring out how we can win games. I think it is really important to us to keep it simple, get puck deep and stick on our forecheck , but the guys bought in and the bench energy was great, I am really happy with the boys tonight."   

In th third, Worcester State was eager to score their first goal of the game, but Salem State's goalie, Thomas, was determined to maintain his team's clean sheet. Meanwhile, Dill came dangerously close to scoring, but narrowly missed the mark. At the 15:13 mark, Miller was sent to the penalty box, prompting the Lancers to call for a time out. Worcester State then decided to pull their goalie and add an extra skater on the ice, resulting in a six on four. Despite their best efforts, neither team was able to capitalize on their respective advantages.  

However, at the 19:04 mark, Whitman sealed the deal for Salem State by scoring an empty netter, securing the victory by a final score of 4-0. Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa, Calif.) was credited with the assist. Thomas was able to save all 31 shots on goal, while Friedlander saved 30 of 33. Salem State went 0 for 4 on the power play, while Worcester State went 0 for 6. In terms of faceoffs, Worcester State secured 34 wins compared to Salem State's 28.   

Thomas talked about his second straight shutout victory. "The boys have been playing really good, blocking shots and helping me out in front. I am doing my job and they definitely are doing theirs. It is a huge three points for us in the league to move ahead for a playoff [spot].    

Salem State will be looking to continue their winning ways as they will remain on the road to take on the Plymouth State Panthers this Thursday, January 25, for a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) contest. Game time is at 6 p.m.