SALEM, Mass. — Facing an early 2-0 deficit the Wentworth hockey team rallied for three goals – including the eventual game winner from Joel Vastl (North Salem, N.H.) midway through the third period – as the Leopards ran their regular-season unbeaten streak 11 games (10-0-1) with a 3-2 win over Salem State in non-conference action at Rockett Arena. The win improves Wentworth to 2-0-1 on the season while Salem State slips to 1-1.
The Vikings jumped on top just 37 seconds into the contest when Kyle Phelan (Barnstable, Mass.) took a wrist shot on a breakaway that was initially stopped, but Phelan swatted his own rebound into the goal to give his team the early lead. Nearly eight minutes later, Eric Defelice (Chalfont, Pa.) added another score for the home team when he deposited a pass from Phelan into the back of the net.
Wentworth closed the gap at the 10:31 mark of the first as Devin Cobbold (Ottawa, Ont.) wristed a shot past goaltender Ryan Sutiffe (Las Vegas, Nev.) to make the score 2-1. Mike Domsodi (Kirkland, Que.) and Jordan Bourgonje (Spruce Grove, Alta) were credited with the assists.
At 15:04 of the second Wentworth tied the game 2-2 as Mike Cox (Marlborough, Mass.) scored off assists by Ben Iwanowski (Dorval, Que.) and Craig Cardone (Westford, Mass.).
Vastl knocked in what proved to be the game winner when he poked in a loose puck in front of the Salem State net , assisted by Michael Heffner (Lloydminster, Sask.) to give Wentworth a 3-2 lead with eleven minutes remaining.
The Vikings pulled Sutliffe with 40 seconds left for an extra attacker, but the Leopards would hold on for the 3-2 win.
Alex Peck (Kirkland, Que.) made 28 saves to pick up his first win of the season, while Sutliffe turned aside 25 shots. Salem State held a 30-28 shot advantage on the night, while the two teams combined to go 0-for-9 on the power play.
Wentworth opens ECAC Northeast play tomorrow night as it hosts Western New England in the 2012-13 home opener. Salem State is idle until Nov. 15, when the Vikings travel to Fitchburg State.
(Portions of this recap courtesy of Salem State Sports Information)
