Men’s Ice Hockey Takes Down Rivier in 6–1 Conference Victory

THE BASICS

Rivier University 1 vs. Salem State University 6 

Records: 

Rivier University (2-17-1) 

Salem State Vikings (6-12-3)

Location: Salem, MA

Date: Thursday February 5, 2026 

THE BASICS:

In a strong conference showing, the Vikings earned a decisive 6–1 victory over the Raiders of Rivier University. Salem State controlled play early, holding Rivier scoreless in the first period while building momentum. The Raiders scored early in the second, but the Vikings answered quickly with multiple goals to open up a 5–1 lead. Rivier pushed in the third period and pulled their goalie with under six minutes remaining, but the Vikings stayed composed and sealed the win with an empty-net goal. Goalie Will Nepveu made key saves when needed, while the Vikings' offense and defense remained sharp throughout all three periods.

 HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The Vikings put together a complete team performance in a decisive victory over the Raiders of Rivier University, combining strong offense, disciplined defense, and timely goaltending to secure the win.

The Vikings controlled play from the opening faceoff, holding the Raiders scoreless in the first period while striking early on the scoreboard. Nick Sweet opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Seamus Cummings. Sweet added his second of the game later on, again finishing a setup from Cummings, with Christopher Dowd also earning an assist.

Rivier managed to score early in the second period, but the Vikings quickly answered back. Carson Whitman extended the lead with a goal assisted by Zach Dill, restoring momentum firmly in the Vikings' favor. Ryan Barrett then took over offensively, scoring his first of the night off a strong play set up by Landyn Greatorex and Mitch Wilkie. Barrett followed that up with his second goal, finishing a feed from Wilkie and Eric Whitelaw to give the Vikings a commanding 5–1 advantage.

The Raiders pushed hard in the third period, attempting to generate offense and pulling their goalie with just under six minutes remaining. The Vikings shut the door, and Matt Babineau sealed the win with the team's sixth and final goal, assisted by Zach Dill and James Tatro.

In net, Will Nepveu delivered a strong performance for the Vikings, coming up with several key saves to deny Raider scoring chances and keep the lead. Defensively, the Vikings remained composed and physical, while the offense stayed relentless throughout all three periods, capping off an impressive all-around effort.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Will Nepveu had 30 saves on 31 shots against the Raiders of Rivier University. 
• Nick Sweet would have two goals against the Raiders of Rivier University 
• Ryan Barrett would tally two goals against the Raiders of Rivier University 
• Zach Dill, Mitch Wilkie, and Seamus Cummings would all tally two assists in the victory against the Raiders. 

 UP NEXT: 

The Vikings return back to action on Saturday February 7^th, 2026, where they will host the Rams of Framingham State for a MASCAC conference matchup. Puck drop is set to start at 7:00pm.