Ice Hockey Drops 3-2 Decision at Fitchburg State

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Framingham State University ice hockey team fell behind by two goals in the second period and could never recover as they were defeated 3-2 on the road this evening by Fitchburg State ice in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) men's ice hockey action.

After a scoreless first period, Fitchburg State did not waste any time getting on the board early in the second as junior Cory Callen (Annadale, N.J.) hit home at the 3:10 mark. Callen took a feed from classmate Trevor Lawler (Fitchburg, Mass.) and deposited it in the back of the net for a power-play marker and a 1-0 Fitchburg State lead.

The Falcons doubled their lead just four minutes later as Lawler connected for a Fitchburg State score on a two-man advantage. The junior forward paired with classmate Justin Quinn (Braintree, Mass.), receiving a feed and blasting a one-time slap-shot to the back of the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The Rams cut their deficit in half midway through the second period, taking advantage of their first power-play opportunity at the 11:49 mark. Junior Ben Pacific (Marlborough, Mass.) put the Rams on the board, collecting his third goal of the season with assists from Dylan Cosford (Windsor, ON) and Brendan McCarron (Millbury, Mass.).

In the third period, Framingham State opened with a quick two man advantage but the Falcons penalty kill stood strong, keeping the Rams off the board and maintaining their 2-1 margin. Framingham State notched a short-handed goal by sophomore defenseman Bo Driscoll (Chelmsford, Mass.)  with just under one minute remaining, but the freshman Carlo DiPIazza's (Ridgewood, N.J.) second score of the season at the 5:24 mark of the period proved to be the game-winner.

For the contest, Framingham State held a 37-27 advantage in shots but Fitchburg State cashed in on two power-play opportunities to even its record in the MASCAC. In the crease, senior Bobby Leiser (Monroe, N.Y.) totaled 35 saves to earn his second victory of the season. Sophomore Nick Cafrelli (San Jose, Calif.) dropped to 1-6-1 on the season, totaling 24 stops despite the loss.

Fitchburg State (4-6-2, 3-3-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Saturday as it hosts Salem State University at 1 p.m. Framingham State (1-8-2, 1-5-1 MASCAC) will host Plymouth State on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Release courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information.