Worcester Celebrate Senior Night in Meeting with Anna Maria

Worcester, MA- In the final home regular season faceoff of the 2025-26 season, the Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey team (9-10-4, 2-7-3) is battling for final seeding in the conference tournament that starts next Wednesday. Tonight's meeting with Anna Maria also honored the two seniors of this year's class, as Niklas Byman (Sipoo, FN) and Anders Gronstad (Royal Oak, MI) were honored before the puck drop.

Final

Worcester State: 2

Anna Maria: 3

How it Happened:

Worcester State University encountered intense offensive pressure during the first period against Anna Maria College, but managed to maintain its defensive strength. The Lancers blocked multiple shots early in the period. Goaltender junior Salvatore Carabelli (Shelby Township, MI) made several important saves to keep Worcester State in the game despite Anna Maria's aggressive attack and multiple power-play opportunities. Worcester State created scoring opportunities through their shots, but they could not finish their attempts. The AMCATs scored a goal through Lucas de la Salle, which gave them a lead to take into the second period after Worcester State had successfully defended their territory for most of the period.

Worcester State University showed its determination during this second period. A Worcester State goal by sophomore Bryce Grandbois (Windsor, Ontario), his first goal of the season, with an assist from first-year Sean Tyrie (East Quogue, NY), shifted the momentum of the Lancers. Worcester State maintained its offensive pressure throughout the period. The Lancers received a power-play opportunity during the middle of the period, but they failed to score despite having multiple chances to do so. Salvatore Carabelli, the goaltender, made essential saves to maintain the game competitive, which the Worcester State defense additionally protected by blocking vital shots to decrease the effect of their opponent's attacks. Worcester State maintained its fighting spirit and offensive intensity throughout the period despite trailing on the scoreboard.

Worcester State maintained its defensive strength while scoring at critical moments during the third period of its match against Anna Maria College. The Lancers faced multiple power-play situations early, but the penalty kill held firm, with goaltender Salvatore Carabelli making several key saves to keep the game within reach. Midway through the period, Worcester State broke through when sophomore Cam Quigley (Quincy, MA) scored his first goal of the season off an assist from junior Matthew Nuzzolilo (Worcester, MA), providing a crucial spark. The Lancers showed defensive strength by winning critical faceoffs in the closing minutes while keeping Anna Maria from creating scoring opportunities during the last period. The tough-fought game ended 2-3 with the AMCATS taking home the win. 

What's Next:

The Blue and Gold (9-11-4, 2-8-3) wrap up their regular season on Saturday with a trip to Rivier at 7 pm.