Falcons Soar Past Skyhawks, 4-1

Warila nets three points to lead Falcons to non-conference victory

Worcester, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University ice hockey team defeated the Skyhawks of Stonehill College, 4-1 in opening round action of the inaugural Steve Hoar Memorial Invitational this evening at the Worcester Ice Center, hosted by Becker College.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 4, Stonehill 1
Records: Fitchburg State (5-2-1)| Stonehill (2-3-1)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State grabbed the lead at the 12:46 mark of the first period as sophomore forward Tyler Warila (Shirley, Mass.) collected a feed from junior Connor McPherson (Clovis, Calif.) and fired a shot into the right side of the net for his fourth goal of the season for the 1-0 margin.

In the second stanza, the Green and Gold doubled their advantage (2-0) just 2:19 into the frame on Warila's second tally of the contest before sophomore Nick DiNicola (Wolcott, Conn.) connected on his third score of the 2017-18 campaign off an assist from Warila minutes later to put Fitchburg State's lead to 3-0.

Following a goal by Stonehill sophomore forward Ryan Smith (Arlington, Mass.) at the 8:30 mark of the third period that made the score 3-1. Fithcburg State added an insurance marker late in the frame when sophomore Kyle Hilick (Byfield, Mass.) registered his third goal on the year, resulting in the 4-1 final.

Inside the Numbers

20th meeting between two schools on the ice with the Falcons 14-5-1 all-time when taking on the Skyhawks.

Fitchburg State has won five of the last six contests against Stonehill College, including a 6-3 decision in the last meeting (11/25/2008).

Falcons held a 33-21 margin in shots.

Fitchburg State finished 0-for-4 on the power-play, while Stonehill went 0-for-1 with the man advantage.

Junior goaltender Kirby Saari (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) stopped 20 of the 21 shots he faced for the Green and Gold.

For the Skyhawks, junior Billy Palmer (Cranston, R.I.) finished with 30 saves in the setback.

Warila factored in three of the Falcons four scores on the day, totaling three points on two goals and one assist.

Up Next

Falcons will take on the winner of the Bryn Athyn/Becker College game tomorrow in the championship game of the Steve Hoar Memorial Invitational at a time to be determined. Skyhawks with battle either Bryn Athyn or Becker College tomorrow in the consolation round at a time to be announced.