Ice Hockey Wins Opener on Moran's OT Tally

WORCESTER, Mass. – Mike Moran (Milford, Mass.) scored 27 seconds into overtime to propel the Worcester State University men's ice hockey to their first win of the season Friday against the Becker College Hawks during the Hockey for Hope event at Worcester Ice Center.

The Lancers and Becker put on the Hockey for Hope event to raise awareness and money for ALS research efforts.

With the win, the Lancers start the season 1-0 and Becker starts off 0-1.

Becker started the scoring early, with a power play goal in the second minute of action. Aaron Deady (East Greenwich, R.I.) got the puck in close and scored his first goal of the season. Corey Schafer (Johnstown, Pa.) and Jason Diamond (Lakeville, Conn.) were credited with assists on the play.

The first period would end with a score of 1-0. The Lancers outshot the Hawks 15-4, but could not capitalize.

The Lancers tied the score early in the second period with a power play goal from Moran. Worcester State secured a rebound, allowing Mitch Purdie (Peterborough, Ontario) and Cody Weaver (West Greenwich, R.I.) to swing the puck around to Moran who sent a shot past the Becker keeper.

Worcester State would take their first lead of the game seven minutes into the second period with a goal from Matthew Manning (Novi, Mich.). Purdie and Moran were credited with the assists as they set Manning up close to the goal.

Becker would strike back five minutes later as Schafer found the back of the net. Tyler Forest (Simi Valley, Calif.) assisted on the goal.

The second period would end with the score tied at 2-2.

Purdie scored his first goal of the season eight minutes into the third period on a power play. Weaver and Manning picked up assists.

The Hawks would come right back and tie the game again with just over three minutes left with a goal from Caleb Labrie (Greene, Maine). Christian Leon (Natick, Mass.) and Jake Cagnina (South Berwick, Maine) earned the assists on the play that would send the game to overtime.

Moran's goal came just 27 seconds into overtime and was unassisted. Moran won the puck, skated down the ice, and fired a shot past the Becker keeper high to the glove side to win it.

Worcester State keeper Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills, Calif.) earned the win, saving 16 shots. Grant Martens (Bloomington, Minn.) of Becker ended up with the loss despite his 54 saves.

The Lancers play next on Tuesday, October 30 as they travel to Plymouth State. The puck will drop at 6 p.m. Becker will host Assumption College on Sunday, October 28 at 4 p.m.

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