Panthers Skate Past Ice Hockey in MASCAC Opener

Plymouth State 4, Worcester State 1

Box Score

Auburn, MA --- Plymouth State junior goaltender Erik Shields (Lebanon, ME) stopped 33 of the 34 shots he saw while allowing only one to slide through the posts to help the Panthers skate past Worcester State 4-1 in the MASCAC season opener for both teams this evening at Horgan Rink.

The Lancer s led 1-0 after the first period with a power play score from junior Billy O'Neill's (Strafford, PA) first goal of the young season.  He was assisted by sophomores Andrew Brady (Oreland, PA) and Nick Asterito (Philadelphia, PA).  This proved to be the lone goal for Worcester as Shields, now 2-0 as his teams' goaltender, held them scoreless for the remainder of the game.

The Panthers answered with two goals in the second period.  The first score came from sophomore forward Chris Zaremba (Colorado Springs, CO) with the extra man advantage as he was helped out by freshman Chad Wilhelm (Plymouth, MA). The second, which proved to be the game winner, was registered from junior defender Jake Curtin (Concord, NH).

Plymouth State put the Lancers away for good with goals from freshman Richie Zobak (Evergreen Park, IL) and senior forward Chris Chambers (Crofton, MD) in the third period.  Chambers and sophomore Bryan Kriner (Newport, RI) were on the assist for Zobak.  Kriner added his second assist of the game, along with first-year Sean Foley (Weymouth, MA) on Chambers' score.

Worcester State senior goalkeeper Andrew Evans (Cromwell, CT) recorded 37 saves as he drops to 0-2 in the net for the Lancers.

Plymouth improves to 3-0 (1-0 MASCAC) on the season.  They look to keep their unbeaten streak alive against host Salem State in MASCAC action this Thursday at 7 PM.

The Lancers slide to 1-3 (0-1 MASCAC) and take on non-conference opponent Franklin Pierce in New Hampshire at the Ravens nest this Thursday at 7 PM.

Story Written by Chris Gusha - Sports Information Grad Assistant