Salem State Wins 2023 Viking Cup

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass.-  Alternative captain Jessica Robert (North Reading, Mass) scored twice to help Salem State skate to a 3-2 victory over Albertus Magnus in the championship game of the Viking Cup on Saturday afternoon at Rockett Arena. The Vikings boosted their overall record to 5-8 while the Falcons dropped to 2-10-2. 

The Vikings were awarded their first power play of the afternoon early in the game, but despite applying immense pressure on the Falcons' goaltender, Christmas Johnson (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Salem State was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.  

It was Albertus Magnus, who drew first blood when Molly Martin (Buffalo, NY) beat Kaia Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.) and scored from the left side with Lila Whitney (Canton, Conn.) providing the assist. The goal came at 6:17 of the first period, leaving Salem State trailing by one. 

The Falcons soon found themselves on a 5 on 4 power play that ultimately turned into a 5 on 3 power play. However, the Vikings managed to kill off two of the power plays, limiting the Falcons' scoring opportunities.  

With the period winding down, the Vikings were eager to tie the game. Captain Deanna Bosco (North Andover, Mass.)  unleashed a fierce shot at Johnson. However the rebound fell to Viking freshman, Olivia Tednes (Elk Gove Village, Ill.), who shot the puck into the net, tying the game at 1-1. The goal came at the 14:09 of the period. 

At the end of the period, the Vikings had racked up 17 shots on goal, while the Falcons had only managed six. With the game tied at one, both teams headed into the second period tied at one.  

At the start of the second period, both Salem State and Albertus Magnus were eager to gain an advantage on the scoreboard.  

Salem State's Aislinn Bennett (Milford, Mass.), who scored her first collegiate goal the previous night, was determined to score again, attempting a wraparound shot that was denied by Johnson. However, a few minutes later, the Vikings managed to take the lead on an excellent goal from alternate captain Robert , who scored off a rebound after the team had applied sustained pressure on the Falcons' zone. The goal was at 5:29, and was assisted by Alexis Thomas (Barnstable, Mass.) and Catherine Lawrence (Guilford, Conn.). Unfortunately, the Vikings' lead was short-lived, as Isabella Contreras (Surprise, Az.) scored on a rebound, assisted by Tori Walsh (Marystown, Newfoundland), with Hollingsworth making a valiant effort to save the puck.   

Heading into the final period of regulation, the Vikings and Albertus Magnus were tied at two goals each. Hollingsworth had saved eight out of ten shots, while Johnson had saved an impressive 37 out of 39. The Falcons had been unsuccessful in both of their power play opportunities, and the Vikings had failed to score in all three of theirs. The Vikings had dominated in shots on goal, with 35 compared to the Falcons' 12. 

During the third period of the game, Hollingsworth made an incredibly athletic save, extending her full body to stop a shot that was sure to go in. Meanwhile, the Falcons were attempting to score, but were unable to put the puck into the net. Salem State was on a 5-4 power play, putting pressure on the Falcons' defense. Unfortunately, they were unable to score and were on the power play once again, this time with a five-on-four advantage, when Ariana Martin (Hamden, Conn.) was called for tripping. Just 37 seconds later, the Vikings found themselves on a huge five-on-three advantage when Whitney was sent to the box for cross-checking.   

The Vikings took advantage of the power play and made the Falcons pay when Robert netted her second goal of the game, and the crowd went wild at the Rockett Arena. The goal was scored on a power play, and the time of the goal was 5:48 into the period. The Vikings were not done yet, as they had another power play opportunity and were putting a tremendous amount of pressure on Johnson, the Falcons' goalie. Unfortunately, the Vikings were unable to capitalize, but held on to win the 2023 Viking Cup.

Hollingsworth made a total of 21 saves out of 23 shots on goal, while Johnson made an impressive 49 saves out of 52 shots on goal. The Vikings were 1 for 8 on their power play, while the Falcons were unable to score on their two power play opportunities.   

Salem State's next game will be on January 4th, when they will take on New England College at the Rockett Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m.