Ice Hockey Explodes for Five Third Period Goals in 6-3 Win over UMass Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, Mass. – The Framingham State University ice hockey team erupted for five third period goals as the Rams erased a 3-1 deficit and secured a 6-3 victory this evening over UMass Dartmouth in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action.

The Rams improve to 4-13-1 on the year with the victory and are now 3-8-1 in the MASCAC, while the Corsairs fall to 5-10-3 overall and 4-6-2 in the conference.

The two teams traded goals in the closing minute of the first period with Mark Essery putting the Rams on the board at 17:12 and Mike Sones knotting the game for the Corsairs on the power play at 19:02.

The Corsairs grabbed a two goal lead with a  pair of goals midway through the second frame.  Connor Court tallied the first at 13:24 and Mike Kelly, who assisted on Court's marker, followed with a goal of his own at 16:23.

It was all Rams from there as they struck for five in the final period.  Freshman Jake McKinnon found the back of the net first at 3:25 on the power play and Chris Andre followed a 6:34 with a power play tally of his own to tie the score.  Just over three minutes later, Essery tallied his second of the game and what would prove to be the game winner off assists from Essery and Rich Hill.  Keith Barnaby added an insurance marker at 14:36 and Derek Ridgeway tacked on an empty net goal with just over two minutes remaining.

The Corsairs outshot the Rams 37-32 in the contest, but the Rams went 2-for-3 with the man advantage while UMass Dartmouth only converted on 1-of-5.

Adam Calabrese earned the victory in net making 37 saves and allowing three goals.

The Rams are back in action on Thursday when they host Fitchburg State at Loring Arena at 7:30 p.m.