Men's Ice Hockey Upset by Salem State in Semifinal
New England College men's ice hockey fell to Salem State 4-2 Saturday evening in the ECAC East Semifinal match-up in Northfield, Vt. With the loss the Pilgrims fall to 16-8-3 overall. With the win Salem State will advance to the ECAC East Championship where they will face Norwich University.
Salem State would come out on fire scoring two goals in the opening 46 seconds of the game to grab the early lead. The PIlgirms would struggle to get their offense on track in the opening half as the Vikings would outshoot the Pilgrims 10-5.
Salem State would stretch their lead to 3-0 scoring just 3:29 into the second period. The Pilgrims would not give up as Johan Granath would get the Pilgrims on the board scoring his eigth goal of the season with just one minute remaining in the period. NEC would continue to fight as Mark Ehl would net his team-high 23rd goal of the season with just 3.2 seconds remaining in the second to send the PIlgrims into the final period down just 3-2.
The Pilgrims would have the momentum early in the third period but Salem would intercept a pass in the the Viking zone and score putting Salem up 4-2 with just over 15 minutes remaining in regulation. NEC would have several opportunities late but the Viking defense would hold strong and go on to capture the 4-2 victory.
In goal fot he Pilgrims was Ron Baia ho finished with 22 saves.
