Salem State Surges Past Fitchburg State, 6-4

Leiser stops 37 shots despite MASCAC setback for the Falcons

SALEM, Mass. (November 16, 2011) – The Fitchburg State ice hockey team opened MASCAC league play this evening, falling to Salem State University, 6-4 at Rockett Arena.

Mark Macdonald (Norwell, Mass.) posted a pair of scores late in the third period to lead Salem State to its first MASCAC triumph. Fitchburg State led 4-3 with just over seven minutes remaining in the game, before Macdonald netted two goals less than a minute apart to spark tdhe Vikings comeback victory.

The Falcons struck first for two goals in the second period after the teams played to a scoreless tie in the first. Fitchburg State's first goal came on a backhand shot from sophomore Nick Zaino (Duryea, Pa./CD Selects) in the 17th minute of the second period, and was assisted by Justin Quinn (Braintree, Mass./Braintree).  The game's second goal was scored by the Falcons' senior Kris Threlkeld (Centerville, Ohio/CD Selects) in the top-right corner of the net on an assist from Travis Berlotti (Long Island, N.Y./New York Bobcats). 

Salem State finally answered when Nick Lampson (Groton, Mass.) craftily handled the puck past the goaltender's right pad.  Then Salem State's Derek Crocker (Wakefield, Mass.) tied the game when he deflected a crisp crossing pass from Lampson into the back of the net.  With a minute and a half left in the second period, Fitchburg State's Carlo DiPiazza (Ridgewood, N.J./Connecticut Jr. Wolfpack) put his team back on top 3-2 with his first goal of the year. 

Early in the third period the Vikings' Nick Del Rosso (San Mateo, Calif.) tied the game on assists from Matt Kenline (Yarmouth, Mass.) and Nick Lampson (Groton, Mass.). Senior Bryan Canter (Anchorage, AK/Helena Bighorns) was credited with Fitchburg State's fourth goal of the contest after his shot deflected off a Salem State defenseman's stick and hit the back of the net.

Following Macdonald's back-to-back scores, Gio Capodanno (Mountainside, N.J.) iced the game with an empty net goal down the stretch. The Falcons finished with 41 shots on goal while the Vikings took 43 shots in the game. Goaltender Sam Avoine (Ste-Perpetue, Quebec) had 37 saves for Salem State, while senior Bobby Leiser (Monroe, N.Y./New York Applecore) also stopped 37 shots for the visitors.

Fitchburg State (1-3, 0-1 MASCAC) will be back in action on Saturday as it hosts Worcester State at 4 p.m. Salem State (2-0, 1-0 MASCAC) will also be in action on Saturday as it travels to UMass Dartmouth.