Hockey Blanked at Salem State

Salem, Mass. – John Needham (Medford, Mass.) and Callum Hofford (Woodbridge, ONT) had a goal and two assists apiece and Jason Pucciarelli (Newmarket, ONT) earned the shutout in net as Salem State blanked Framingham State 6-0 on Thursday evening at Rockett Arena. The Vikings even their record at 4-4 and go to 3-2 in the MASCAC while the Rams slide to 1-7 and 0-5 in conference. 

The Vikings jumped on top early with three first period goals. Needham wove through the Framingham State defense and set up Mackenzie Cook (Reading, Mass.) who deposited the backhander into a wide open net for the game's first score just over three minutes in. Hofford  made it 2-0, converting a power play opportunity from the point that trickled past goalie Adam Calabrese (Philadelphia, Pa.). Brandon Platt (Pittsburgh, Pa.) put Salem State up by three goals when he easily beat Calabrese with a backhander midway through the first for his team-leading sixth goal of the year. The Vikings held a 14-5 advantage in shots in the period.

Three more scores by Salem State increased the lead to 6-0 in the second. A turnover by Framingham State led to Salem State's fourth goal as Michael Casale (Stony Creek, ONT) found himself in front of the net and scored on assists from Brad Jones (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) and Derek Makimaa (Swartz Creek, Mich.). Needham converted a power play opportunity at 8:12 before Ryan Wilkinson (Burlington, ONT) (Beverly, Mass.) capped the scoring with his fourth of the season at the 16:30 mark.

The Vikings finished the night with 37 shots on net to just 20 for Framingham State. Adam Calabrese (Philadelphia, PA) made 31 saves in the loss while Pucciarelli finished with 10.

Salem State faces MASCAC opponent Worcester State in Worcester on Sunday, December 4th at 4:00 PM. Framingham State goes to UMass Dartmouth for a 4:00 PM puck drop on Saturday, December 3rd. 

*Release courtesy of Salem State sports information