Lancers Return to Conference Play with Vikings Battle

Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey team (7-5-3, 1-2-2) is back in action Saturday night after a 2-0 previous weekend that saw head Coach Bob Deraney claim his 350th win and the team go 14-2 in scoring. This Saturday's adventure takes the Lancers to Salem State for a meeting with the Vikings.

Final

Worcester State: 2

Salem State: 5

How it Happened:

The Lancers generated early pressure in the opening period, earning the game's first power play and peppering the Salem net with quality chances, including a Cam Quigley shot that rang off the post. Worcester controlled possession for long stretches and finished the period with a 10–6 advantage in shots.

After Salem State took a 1–0 lead late in the first, Worcester continued to push the pace in the second period. The Lancers were rewarded at 16:05 when sophomore Bryce Grandbois (Windsor, Ontario)  finished off a strong shift, burying an even-strength goal off a feed from senior Anders Grongstad (Royal Oak, MI) to pull Worcester within one. Just under two minutes later, Worcester struck again as first year Sean Tyrie (East Quogue, NY) capitalized on sustained offensive pressure, tying the game at 2–2 and swinging momentum firmly in the Lancers' favor.

Worcester carried that energy into the third period, continuing to generate shots and forcing Salem State goaltender Will Nepveu into several key saves. Despite the Lancers' continued pressure, the Vikings managed to regain the lead early in the period. Worcester refused to back down, creating late opportunities and pulling the goalie in the final minutes, but an empty-net tally sealed the result.

Grandbois led the offensive effort with a goal and an assist, while Tyrie added his fifth goal of the season. Grongstad chipped in an assist, and the Lancers' forward group consistently drove play, highlighted by Worcester's plus-13 shot margin on the afternoon. In goal, junior Sal Carabelli (Shelby Township, MI) and junior Donovan Alfama (Douglas, MA)  combined for several key stops to keep the game within reach.

The Worcester State men's ice hockey team put together a strong offensive effort and showed resilience throughout a physical MASCAC matchup at Salem State on Friday afternoon, outshooting the Vikings 36–23, but ultimately fell by a 5–2 decision.

What's Next:

The Lancers (7-6-3, 1-3-2) are back on the ice on Thursday the 22nd as they journey to Anna Maria for a 5:40pm faceoff.