Prior to tonight’s game was a bittersweet night for MCLA, as they were ruled out of playoff contention after their loss to Plymouth State on Saturday night but they would seize the opportunity to spoil Salem State’s playoff hopes. Freshman goaltender Mat Gover would continue where left off against Plymouth State and continue to dominate in net, stopping all 14 shots in the first period. 12:18 into the first period Cade Herrera would bury the puck from a pass from Luke Rhoss, Connor Nagy would collect a secondary assist. MCLA dominated the second period. They were winning battles in every zone and they did a great job of taking away seam passes that were effective in the first period. With their tenacity and persistence on the puck they were able to draw several penalties in the period including a 5-on-3 powerplay. The Trailblazers were hungry, their puck movement was great and led to several grade chances but Salem State’s goaltender Will Nepveu closed the door. MCLA would outshoot Salem State 17-13. At 17:11 Nagy would be called for interference and Erik Larsson would tie the game on a wraparound on the power play. Going into the 3rd period I could feel the energy and hunger MCLA had, they were getting pucks deep, intercepting passes, and finishing checks. Sure enough 1:36 into the 3rd period, Alex Ferris would find Cade Herrera in front of the net and MCLA would retake the lead. The game would continue to heat up with both teams finishing checks and battling for the next goal. Charlie Addesa’s ferocious forechecking would pay dividends and would score 11:16 into the 3rd period to go up 3-1. The Vikings threw everything they had at the Trailblazers but Mat Gover and that defense were excellent, you can tell their physicality and willingness to battle tired and wore down Salem State.

This was one of if not their strongest outing of the season I’ve seen. The defense did a great job with communicating assignments, they put pucks on net, and they won the majority of the puck battles. Alex Ferris had a great game between his assist on the second goal, his dominance at the blue line, and ability to transition the puck from the defensive zone to the offensive zone. Cade Herrera had another impressive offensive showing with two goals tonight making it five in two games. Luke Rhoss was all over the ice tonight winning battles and making plays, his forecheck led to the first goal of the game. Connor Nagy also had a strong game, he made some huge defensive plays preventing odd man rushes and rebounds. Shane Green had a strong showing offensively and defensively with 6 shots and a sturdy +2. Mat would stop 40 of 41 shots putting him at 110 saves on 118 shots over the past two games, an impressive 93.2 save percentage. MCLA’s game impressed me tonight, they are rolling and I can’t wait to see how they finish off the rest of the season, how else the standings are shaken up, and how this team starts next season.