Defensive Dominance Conquers Vikings in Non-Conference Battle, 3-1

THE BASICS

Salve Regina, 3 vs. Salem State, 1

Records: 

Salve Regina Seahawks (15-3-0) 

Salem State Vikings (3-9-2)

Location: Salem, Mass. - Rockett Arena

Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

THE LEAD - Despite a sensational 37 save performance from goaltender Will Nepveu, who earned the game's first star, the Salem State men's ice hockey team was unable to overcome an early deficit, falling 3-1 to the Salve Regina Seahawks at home. Ryan Barrett provided the offense for the Vikings, but a disciplined Salve Regina defense limited Salem State to 15 shots on the night.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Seahawks took control early in the first period, jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Cade DeStefani opened the scoring at 6:30, followed by a Jack Arizo goal at 10:17. The Vikings refused to back down, and late in the frame, Ryan Barrett (Sr.) found the back of the net at 14:35 to cut the lead to 2-1. The goal was set up by beautiful passing from Aren Francis (Jr.) and Eric Whitelaw (Fy.). Salem State nearly tied it earlier in the period when a shot by Mitch Wilkie (Jr.) rang off the pipe during a power play.

The second period was a defensive showcase led by Will Nepveu (Jr.), who turned away all 14 shots he faced in the frame to keep the Vikings within one. Salem State’s penalty kill was put to the test twice in the period, successfully fending off Salve Regina advantages to keep the momentum within reach.

In the third period, the Seahawks managed to find an insurance goal at the 10:58 mark when Aidan Elkins scored. The Vikings looked to spark a late rally when they headed to the power play with seven minutes remaining after a cross checking minor on Salve Regina, but they were unable to beat Seahawks goaltender Selby Warren. A late Vikings penalty in the final five minutes further hindered the comeback effort as the Seahawks milked the clock to secure the win,.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Nepveu was the story of the game for Salem State, stopping 37 of 40 shots (.925 save percentage) and consistently keeping the Vikings in the contest against a high powered Seahawks offense.

Barrett led the team in the faceoff circle, winning nine draws, while also accounting for the team’s lone goal. Landyn Greatorex (Sr.) and Owen Locke (So.) led the supporting offensive effort with two shots on goal apiece.

On the defensive end, the Vikings were active in their own zone. Seamus Cummings (So.), Owen Young (Fy.), Barrett, and Locke all recorded blocked shots to aid Nepveu in the defensive struggle.

Special teams were a wash on the evening, as both teams went 0 for 2 (Salem State) and 0 for 3 (Salve Regina) on their respective powerplay opportunities. The Vikings finished the night with 16 penalty minutes, including a 10 minute misconduct.

UP NEXT

The Vikings finish up their home stand this Saturday, January 17, when they host Worcester State for a 3 p.m. matinee matchup.

By Jack Zenger '25

Photo Credit: Lilly Nunez '25