USM Blanks SSU 4-0

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications  

SALEM, Mass. -- Olivia Steward (Fredericton, NB.) scored a goal and added an assist to give Southern Maine a 4-0 New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) shutout victory on Saturday afternoon at the Rockett Arena. The Huskies improve to 9-6-1, 6-2-1 while the Vikings slip to 5-11-1,2-7-1.  

During the game's first six minutes, the Huskies and Vikings failed to record a shot on goal. However, the Huskies' Olivia Stewart (Fredericton, NB) managed to shoot the puck toward Kaia Hollingsworth (Methuen, Mass.), but the Vikings' goaltender denied it. As the period progressed, Southern Maine was awarded their first power play of the game, but the Vikings were able to defend their position and kill off the Huskies' power play.  

Last night, Salem State had successfully killed off six power plays against the Huskies, who were 0 for 6. Salem State was awarded their first power play of the game, but Aislinn Bennett's (Milford, Mass.) slap shot was blocked. Isabella Perrotti (Winthrop, Mass.) then took a shot, but Kaley McKim, the Huskies' goaltender, denied the Vikings from scoring.  

A significant play during the period was Shannon Murphy's (Pembroke, Mass.) breakaway, but the Vikings' Tea Miles (Northfield, Vt.) did an incredible job knocking away the puck from Murphy.    

Southern Maine had their second power play of the game when Catherine Lawrence (Guilford, Conn.) was sent to the box for tripping. The Huskies' power play was well-defended by the Vikings, with Isabelle Besser (Scituate, R.I.) clearing the zone.  

The Vikings' Scarlet Chatham (Dallas, Texas) passed the puck to Brenna Greene (Haverhill, Mass.) late during the period near the net, and she had a chance to put the puck inside the net. Unfortunately, Greene was unsuccessful in scoring, and the Vikings were inches away from striking first.  

Finally, Besser was sent to the box for tripping during the final 16 seconds of the first period, and the penalty carried on for a minute and 44 seconds of the second period of regulation as both teams are looking to strike first.   

Early during the second period, the Huskies were on the attack. However, the Vikings' goaltender, Hollingsworth, was showcasing her exceptional skills and making some fantastic saves. Moments later, Greene came very close to scoring, but the puck missed the net by just inches on the left side and the puck went to the crease.  

As the game continued, the Vikings got their second power play of the game midway through the second period. Amanda Crowley (South Yarmouth, Mass.) was sent to the box for tripping, but just a minute later, Amelie St-Amant (Cornwall, ON) was also sent off for holding. This created a five-on-three power play for the Vikings. During the power play, the Huskies' Jess MacLean (Red Point, NS) managed to score a shorthanded goal at the 11:27 mark, beating Hollingsworth on the left side. Despite having a two-player advantage, Salem State was unable to capitalize on the opportunity and score a goal. 

Towards the end of the second period, the Vikings were desperately trying to tie the game by attacking the Huskies' zone. However, Madison Chagnon (Saint Albans, VT) shot the puck on the left side to her teammate and set up Stewart with a pass near the net. Stewart was able to score a goal at the 19:15 mark, beating Hollingsworth and giving the Vikings a two-goal lead. 

During the first two periods, both teams combined, failed to score a goal on any of their power play opportunities. The Vikings had four power plays and failed to score on all of them, while the Huskies had three and also failed to score. Salem State had twice as many faceoff wins as Southern Maine, with the Vikings winning 33 compared to the Huskies' 15. Hollingsworth, the Vikings' goaltender, saved all 30 shots that came her way, while McKim was able to save 18 of 20 shots. 

As the game headed into the final period of regulation, the Vikings were two goals down and had some work to do if they were to come back and win the game. 

During the last period of regulation, St-Amant skillfully shot the puck, aiming for the left side of the goalpost. To the delight of the Huskies, the puck hit the side of the post and went straight in, extending their lead to three. Saige Macleod (Dryden, ON) was credited with the assist at the 2:35 mark. 

Salem State had a promising two-on-one breakaway with Lawrence and Makayla McGrath (Saugus, Mass.), but unfortunately, the Vikings couldn't capitalize on the opportunity. On the other hand, Southern Maine was looking to increase their lead, but Hollingsworth was quick to prevent it.   

Later, McGrath was on the lookout for a wrap-around goal, but Lexi Warner (Littleton, Mass.) managed to get the rebound. However, Warner's shot was blocked by the opposing team. As the game was winding down, both teams had power play opportunities, but they couldn't take advantage of them. Late into the period, Ellie Eigner (Bowling Green, OH) scored with the help of Steward at the 18:25 mark of the period to make teh final 4-0. 

In terms of statistics, McKim saved all 44 shots, while Hollingsworth saved 34 of 38 shots. Both teams were unable to score power play goals. Southern Maine had five opportunities, but failed, while Salem State had seven but could not take advantage. 

Salem State will be looking to bounce back this upcoming Friday night, January 19, as they face William Smith for a New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) game. Puck drop at 6:00 p.m.