Men’s Ice Hockey Wins Shootout Against Owls

THE BASICS

Westfield State 3 vs. Salem State, 3 (W By SO)

Records: 

Westfield State University (11-5-1) 

Salem State Vikings (4-10-3)

Location: Salem, MA 

Date: Saturday January 24, 2026

THE LEAD:
Behind a fast start and a composed performance in goal, the Salem State Vikings would earn a hard-fought tie over Westfield after a back-and-forth battle that saw multiple momentum swings. Salem scored twice in the opening period and added another in the third, but Westfield answered with three third-period goals to force overtime. After a scoreless extra frame, the game was decided in a six-round shootout, where the Vikings would get the extra boost winning 4-3 in a shootout. 

 HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Salem State Vikings earned a hard-fought tie in dramatic fashion, which would lead to an extra boost of defeating Westfield in a shootout after a back-and-forth battle that featured momentum swings and late-game intensity from both sides. Salem set the tone early, scoring two goals in the first period to take a 2–0 lead into the first intermission.

The Vikings opened the scoring when Ryan Barrett found the back of the net, assisted by Landyn Greatorex and Eric Whitelaw. Salem extended the lead on the power play, as Zach Dill capitalized with helpers from Matt Babineau and James Tatro, giving the Vikings early control of the contest.

After a scoreless second period marked by strong defensive play, Salem goaltender Will Nepveu was outstanding between the pipes, turning aside quality chances and keeping the Vikings in control as momentum began to swing. Westfield broke through early in the third period to cut the deficit to 2–1, but Salem answered quickly to restore the two-goal advantage, making it 3–1 on a goal by Carson James, assisted by Michael Locke and Christopher Dowd.

Westfield continued to apply pressure and scored two more goals in the third period to tie the game at 3–3 and force overtime. Nepveu remained steady in the extra frame, making key saves to send the contest to a shootout. The Vikings and Owls would draw a tie but the Vikings would get an extra boost when the game would head to a six round shootout, and Eric Whitelaw delivered the decisive goal to seal the shootout win for the Vikings.

The contest showcased strong offensive pressure, resilient defensive play, and a strong performance in goal by Will Nepveu. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

Will Nepveu would be strong in net for the Vikings stopping 35 of 38 shots against the Owls. 

Salem State would have three different goal scorers against the Owls. 

The Vikings would have one powerplay goal against the Owls. 

UP NEXT:

The Vikings are back in action on Thursday January 29, 2026 where they look to travel to North Adams, MA to take on the Trailblazers of MCLA for a MASCAC conference matchup. Puck drop is set to start at 8:00pm.