2024-25 Men's Ice Hockey Preview

SALEM, Mass. -- Salem State men's ice hockey was picked to finish 8th in a vote by the league's ten head coaches in the MASCAC Men's Ice Hockey Pre-Season Poll, which was released on Thursday, October 24. Defending champion Plymouth State was picked to repeat, claiming nine first place votes for 81 points. Fitchburg State received 76 points while newcomer Anna Maria earned the other first place vote (64 points). 

Season Outlook 

Head coach Chris MacInnis begins his second season after leading Salem State to a 6-18-1 record and 8th place finish in the MASCAC with a 6-14-1 conference mark. The Vikings will return four of its top point-producers from a season ago. Gr. Keagan O'Donoghue (11g, 10a, 21pts), who led Salem State in goals scored in 2023-24, will be joind by captain Luke Day (9g, 5a, 14 points) and assistant captains Landyn Greatorex (7g, 16a, 23pts) and Zach Dill (9g, 18a) to form the nucleus of the Vikings' attack. Skylar Miller and Mitch Wilkie, who combined for 49 starts are back to man the defense while all three goalies from a season ago return led by Aaron Mercer, who started 11 games and Hunter Thomas - nine starts and Will Nepveu - four starts.  

Coach's Quote

"I'm excited and ready to get the season underway and see what this team can achieve. We've added 13 new players, who I believe strengthen our roster. While last year didn't bring the results we hoped for, we built a solid foundation that we're continuing to develop for the future of the program. Our expectations are to win the MASCAC and compete in the NCAA Tournament."

2024-25 New Players to Watch

Davis Kinne  (Swampscott, Mass.) - Played at St Marys of Lynn as an 8th grader and played in the Super 8 before going to the Berkshire School.

Declan Loughnane (Milton, Mass.) -  Played at BC High and Thayer Academy. Scored the game-winning goal in the Super 8 Final in the 4th overtime as a freshman at BC High. 

Aren and Rais Francis (Nottingham, England) - Both played at Western New England last season. 

James Tatro (Salisbury Mass.) - Played at Triton High School. All-Scholastic as a senior in both hockey and lacrosse. Was the Cape Ann League Co-MVP for hockey.

 Season Opener

Salem State opens the season at home against Salve Regina on Friday, November 1 @ 7:00 pm.

2024-25 MASCAC Men's Ice Hockey Pre-Season Poll