Aaron Clancy scored Westfield’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss at Salem (WSU File photo)
SALEM – Westfield State tried to rally from a 2-0 deficit, but couldn’t get all the way back as the Owls fell to Salem State University by a 2-1 score in a key MASCAC men’s ice hockey game at the Rockett Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Westfield trailed 1-0 at the first intermission on the strength of an Andrew Bucci goal for the Vikings.
Salem extended its lead to 2-0 when Cam Moniz tallied at 11:39 of the second period.
Westfield got it’s lone marker of the day exactly five minutes later with freshman Aaron Clancy netting a shorthander with an assist from classmate Mason Wade.
The Owls pulled junior goalie Jonathan LoParco for the final 57 seconds of the game and generated several late scoring chances but were unable to equalize. Loparco finished with 23 saves for the Owls, while Salem’s Marcus Zelzer stoned Westfield with 22 saves.
Westfield falls to 9-5, 4-3 in the MASCAC, a game behind Salem in the league table. The Vikings improved to 9-4, 5-2 in the conference.
Westfield will play its first home game since Christmas when the Owls host Fitchburg State at Amelia Park on Thursday evening at 7:35. – Courtesy of Westfield State Sports
