Fitchburg State Ices Franklin Pierce, 4-2

Falcons post third straight victory and have eyes set on playoffs

WINCHENDON, Mass. (February 16, 2009) - Freshman Bryan Canter (Anchorage, AK/Helena Big Horns) netted the game-winning goal as Fitchburg State posted a 4-2 victory over Franklin Pierce University in ECAC Northeast action this evening.

Fitchburg State used a balanced attack as four Falcons connected for scores. Canter, junior Andrew Hutton (Brewster, Mass./Boston Harbor Wolves), freshman Thomas McAleer (East Islip, N.Y./New York Bobcats) and sophomore Billy Pescosolido (Framingham, Mass./Walpole Express) registered goals for the Falcons, while junior Phil LaBreck (Thornton, N.H./John Stark Regional) recorded both scores for Franklin Pierce.

Fitchburg State opened the scoring early in the first period as McAleer connected for the game's opening score just 2:16 into the match. McAleer scored his fifth goal of the season amidst a scramble in front of the net, while senior Aaron Tiernan (Anchorage, AK/Central Texas Marshals) picked up the lone assist. Franklin Pierce rallied back midway through the frame as LaBreck tallied his first goal of the game at the 10:02 mark.

In the second period, Fitchburg State gained a 3-1 advantage with consecutive scores by Hutton and Canter. Hutton ignited the Falcons scoring explosion with his team-leading 16^th goal of the season, while Canter followed with the eventual game-winner on a power-play at the 11:32 mark.

The Falcons carried its offensive momentum into the third period as Pescosolido notched his second goal of the season off assists from senior John Coutts (Milford, Conn./Notre Dame) and sophomore Andrew Jones (Franklin, Mass./Walpole Express) at the 6:28 mark. Franklin Pierce added a late goal on LaBreck second score of the game, but Fitchburg State denied any comeback to clinch its third consecutive ECAC Northeast victory.

Fitchburg State dominated the offensive front with a 40-26 advantage in shots, while converting 1-of-8 power-plays. Sophomore Robert Vorse (Leominster, Mass./Bay State Breakers) collected his eighth victory in net with 24 saves, while freshman Ben Siok (Holden, Mass./St. John's) totaled 36 stops for the Ravens.

Fitchburg State (11-8-5, 8-5-3 ECAC NE) will be in action again Saturday as it travels to Salve Regina University at 6:45 p.m. Franklin Pierce (5-16-2, 4-13-2 ECAC NE ) will host Plymouth State University on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 4, Franklin Pierce 2

Scoring:
1^st Period: FIT: Thomas McAleer (Aaron Tiernan), 2:16; FPU: Phil LaBreck (Nate Schursky, Shane Murphy), 10:02
2^nd Period: FIT: Andrew Hutton (Chris Riggs, Erik Trahan), 3:56; FIT: Bryan Canter (Kris Threlkeld, Travis Bertolotti), 11:32
3^rd Period: FIT: Billy Pescosolido (Andrew Jones, John Coutts), 6:28; FPU: LaBreck (Michael King, Murphy), 10:33;
Goaltending: FIT: Robert Vorse (60:00), 24 saves; FPU: Ben Siok (60:00), 36 saves.
Shots on Goal: FIT 40: FPU: 26