Owls Head Into Winter Break Falling 3-1 To Roger Williams

Fall River, MA --- It was the best start of the season for the Owls as they played a perfect road period against conference rivals Roger Williams. Westfield's game plan was to have: no penalties, a solid start, and take a lead into the locker room. Luke Foley would get the Owls on the board at 18:11 of the first period. On the play, Schyler Reilly took a hit as he made a break out pass to John Galvin who skated down the left wing side. Once in the zone, Galvin passed the puck to Foley who fired blocker side for the 1-0 lead.

The Hawks were getting frustrated as there were several matching penalties during the middle of the period. Roger Williams would tie the game midway through the second after Westfield failed to clear the puck after several opportunities. The first power play opportunity for either side came with 1:46 remaining in the second period. 

With the teams skating four on four, Jared Rizo would score the eventual game-winning goal at 8:18. The game seemed to get away from the Owls and Roger Williams would score an insurance goal on a break away slap shot to take the game 3-1. Nick Franco was fantastic in net stopping 44 of 47 shots on goal. 

Westfield's next game will be on January, 24th against Daniel Webster (II) at 6:30 pm. We hope that everyone has a nice holiday and a happy new year! 

12/6/2014 BOX SCORE @ ROGER WILLIAMS

Goal: Foley (2) 

Goaltender: Franco, 44 Saves (3-4-0)

Power Play: 0 for 3 

Penalty Kill: 4 for 4 

Owls' Comeback Falls Short In 7-5 Loss

Westfield, MA --- It was the back end of a home and home series between the Westfield State Owls and the Sacred Heart Pioneers on Saturday night.  Sacred Heart scored with the man advantage 2:54 into the game to get the Pioneers on the board first. Senior, Aniel Russo would tie the game up midway through the first period as he weaved in front of the net and buried a shot past Tom Delucia. CJ Kenny and Joe Santaniello would pick up the helpers on the goal. Sacred Heart would regain their lead a minute later and would take a 2-1 lead into the dressing room. 

It was all Sacred Heart in the second period, as they would score three goals in the period to have a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes of play. Schyler Reilly would get a hat trick in the third and the Owls had life with under six minutes remaining trailing 6-4. Penalties came at a bad time, and Sacred Heart would make it a three goal lead with the two man advantage with under three minutes left in the game. As time was expiring, Zach Smith would score a power play goal with 20 seconds remaining as the Owls fell to the reigning NECHA champions by the score of 7-5. 

The team will take some time off to enjoy the Thanksgiving break. They will be back in action on December 6th as they travel to Fall River to face Roger Williams University. It will be their last game in the fall semester as the Owls look to head into winter break on a winning note. 

GAME SHEET: 11/22/14 VS. SACRED HEART

Goals: A. Russo (4), Reilly (12,13,14), Smith (4)

Goalie: Thornton (3-3-0-1)

Power Play: 2 for 9 (14.1%)

Penalty Kill: 6 for 9 (85.6%)

Owls Storm Back, Beat Sacred Heart 7-4

Bridgeport, CT --- It was a complete team effort late Sunday night as the Westfield State Owls beat reigning NECHA champion Sacred Heart 7-4 at the Wonderland of Ice. Things didn't look so great to start, as the Pioneers would score two goals in the first two minutes of the game to grab the early lead. Corey Jenks would cut the lead in half when his shot went five hole with the man advantage midway through the first period. A bad bounce, found the Owls down 3-1 after the first. 

The Owls came out flying in the second period as their power play went 5 for 8 on the night. They would end up tied during the second intermission with goals from Schyler Reilly, Mark Eagles and Aniel Russo. 

The Owls were disciplined for most of the night, although the teams did combine for 98 PIMs. That lead to power play opportunities, as the Owls would score three goals in three minutes to take control of the game. Nick Franco played huge in the final 50 minutes for his third victory of the season. The two teams will meet again on Saturday at Amelia Park at 5pm. 

SCORE SHEET: 11/16/14 @ SACRED HEART UNIV.

Goals: Jenks (2), Reilly (11) , Eagles (1), A. Russo (3), Galvin (4), Reopel (3), Pierce (8)
Goalie: Franco (3-3-0)
Power Play: 5 for 8
Penalty Kill: 5 for 6

Owls Defeat Anchormen In Dramatic Shoot-out

Pawtucket, RI --- It was a feisty Friday night as Westfield State and Rhode Island College played their second game in less than a week. The two teams would combine for 29 penalties as the two sides traded special teams opportunities. Westfield continued to get off to a slow start as RIC scored 49 seconds into the game. RIC would take a 2-0 lead when a Neil Sklubinski shot found the back of the net on a screen. 

The Owls came out a different team in the second period scoring three times. John Galvin scored short-handed as he came into the zone on the left wing side and fired a shot high past Vinny Tudino. Colin Pierce would pick up the lone assist on the goal. Defenseman Cole Connolly would score his first collegiate goal when his slapper from the point went five hole and found the back of the net. Connor Sweeney would give the Owls their first lead of the night when he broke in all alone with 5:26 remaining in the period. The Owls continued to play strong defense in the third but a bad bounce on a dump in from center tied the game with under three minutes left in regulation to send it to extra hockey. 

Both teams agreed to a shoot-out in the event that the game was still tied after the five minutes. Each team had to kill a 4 on 3 penalty and sent it to a best-of-three shoot-out. Corey Jenks, Schyler Reilly, Joe Santaniello, David Russo, CJ Kenny were all denied. Chase Thornton was spectacular on the other side matching each save. In the sixth round, Freshman Luke Foley, was able to put the puck in the back of the net for a 1-0 shoot-out lead. With the flash of the glove, Thornton made a huge save and gave the Owls the extra point. 

NECHA does not recognize shoot-outs so it will go as a tie and each team will get a point in the league standings. However, it will count as a shoot-out victory in the ACHA. The Owls head down to Bridgeport, CT on Sunday night in a huge match-up against back-to-back NECHA champion Sacred Heart Pioneers at 8:45 pm. If you can't make the trip, please follow the team's twitter for updates. 

Goals: Galvin (3), Connolly (1), Sweeney (3)

Goalie Thornton (3-2-0-1)

Power Play:

Penalty Kill 

Veteran's Day Game A Success Despite Score

Westfield, MA ---  For the second straight year, the Westfield State University club hockey team held a charity game on Veteran's Day. This year, the proceeds were to be split between the Fontenot Family Memorial Fund and the Barnes Airmen Fund. The Owls wore a special camo jersey for the occasion. After the anthem, Col. James J. Keefe of Barnes accepted a "Fontenot 104" jersey on behalf of the family. The Colonel, who is a Norwich University alum, also dropped the ceremonial puck drop. 

Norwich would get off to a fast start as Mike Grandrimo scored 1:10 into the game. Both teams were limited to scoring chances in the first period as the two teams felt each other out. In the second, Norwich would increase their lead to 3-0 on goals by Steve Kay and John Keaney. After scrambling lines, the Owls finally broke the shutout bid with 6:38 remaining in the game. Colin Pierce would score his 7th goal of the season when he tipped a Mark Eagles wrist shot from the point. Norwich would go on to add an empty net goal to seal the 4-1 victory. 

After the game, the two teams met at center ice for a team picture. The two teams also met in one of the party rooms for pizza and desserts.  It was a very successful event that raised over $1,000 for the two funds. The club team and Barnes have both expressed interest in continuing this event in the future. 

The team would like to thank TGI Fridays, Cinema De Lux, The Springfield Falcons & Tom Convery for donating raffles prizes. The team would also like to thank Jed "Chowda" Conaboy,  Carole Appleton, Mrs. Franco, Mr. Foley, Ms Lachance and the whole Westfield State University athletic department in helping make this event possible. It was a total team effort. 

Westfield will practice Thursday night for Friday's game at Rhode Island College. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:10 pm. For game updates, please follow the team's twitter account at @wsuclub 

GAMESHEET: 11/11/2014 VS. NORWICH UNIVERSITY

Goals: Pierce (7)
Goalie: Franco (2-3-0)
Power Play: 0 for 6 (13.2 %)
Penalty Kill: 7 for 7 (84.4 %)

Rally For Moose

Holyoke, MA --- A few members of the Westfield State University club hockey team volunteered for the Rally For Moose cross country race on Sunday afternoon at the Ashley Reservoir.  Players directed traffic, set up the dining room and filled water as the runners crossed the finish line. It was a perfect fall afternoon to be outside as the event raised money for the Fontenot Memorial Fund. Players debut their special Veteran's Day jerseys that they will be wearing on the ice when they host Norwich University on Tuesday at 2:00 pm.  The team is asking fans to be there early on Tuesday, as there will be a special presentation before the game. 

 The team at the starting line 

 Filling up the water 

Defenseman Cole Connolly and Courtney Lentine handing out water

Rhode Island College 5 -- Westfield State 2

Westfield, MA --- The Westfield State University club hockey team came into Saturday's game on a two game winning streak and was looking at playing five games in the next 14 days. The Owls came out strong, as the first period had a lot of back and forth action. The Anchormen would score with under a minute left in the first period with the man advantage to take the early lead.

Schyler Reilly would score his team leading ninth goal of the season 19 seconds into the second period. Reilly skated around the RIC defenseman and out waited goaltender Vinny Tudino and slid the puck into a wide open net. Rhode Island would jump out to a 3-1 lead before John Galvin buried a rebound off an offensive zone face-off and the Owls would once again head into the locker room trailing by a goal. 

Westfield had their chances in the third period but couldn't manage to get the equalizer. Back to back penalties in the middle of the period broke up early momentum. It was a very evenly matched game between the two clubs. Rhode Island would add a goal with 1:04 remaining and an empty net goal with 18 seconds remaining to skate away with the 5-2 victory. 

The Owls are back in action tomorrow, but this time off the ice, as they volunteer for the Rally for Moose road race in Holyoke to benefit the Fontenot Memorial Fund. They return on the ice, Tuesday November 11th, as they host Norwich University. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Fontenot Memorial Fund and the Barnes Airmen fund. The team will be wearing special camo jerseys in honor of the pilot. Please note, that there is a special 2:00 pm start for this event. 

11/08/14 GAME SHEET: RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE

Goals: Reilly (9*) , Galvin (2*)
Goalie: Thornton (2-2-0-1)
Power Play: 0 for 5  (12.5 %)
Penalty Kill: 4 for 5 (83.9 %)

Ranking #1

The ACHA Division II released their first ranking this week. Westfield State did not make the list but two opponents, #5 Central Connecticut (L 2-1 OT) and Roger Williams (haven't played yet), received votes. 

OWLS TO HOST FUNDRAISING EVENT

Westfield, MA --- The Westfield State University club hockey team will be hosting a fundraising event on Tuesday, November 11th at Amelia Park Arena in downtown Westfield. They will be hosting Norwich University in their second annual Veteran's Day game. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 pm. All proceeds from ticket sales and raffles will be split and donated to the Fontenot Memorial Fund and the Barnes Airmen Fund. The team is scheduled to wear special jerseys for this event.

The Fontenot Memorial Fund is hosting a Rally For Moose on November 9th. The cross country style race will be at the Ashley Reservoir and will begin at 1:31 pm. To sign up, please visit their website www.rallyformoose.org 

"Lt Col Morris “Moose” Fontenot, of Longmeadow MA and the 104FW at Barnes ANG Base, Westfield MA was tragically killed in an F-15C crash in Deerfield VA on 27 Aug 2014. Moose was true patriot, serving over 18 years in the United States Air Force as an F-15C Weapons Officer and Commander. Moose dedicated himself to helping his fellow airmen succeed in life and in their careers, giving everything and anything he could. This Memorial Fund and Race have been established to preserve Moose’s spirit, raise funds to help his family in this difficult time and to gather around the Fontenot family to show our love and support. Our goal is to raise money for education, housing and other expenses for Moose’s wife, Kara, and daughters, Natalie and Nicole."

Westfield Holds On For Sweep Of Holy Cross

Westfield, MA -- It was the second meeting in less than a week, as the Westfield State University club hockey team hosted Holy Cross for the back end of a home and home, Saturday night. The first period was quick, as the teams traded scoring opportunities. With 5:29 remaining, Corey Jenks hustled down the left wing boards and centered a feed that was directed in by Schyler Reilly to give the Owls a 1-0 lead heading into the second period. 

Holy Cross would capitalize on an Owls miscue and would tie the game 36 seconds into the period. Zach Smith regained the lead two minutes later, as he battled for the puck and flew through the air after he shot it. Skating four aside, Josh Brown's strong fore checking, forced a turn over right in front of the Crusaders net. Brown was able to get it past Garrett Beaulieu for his first collegiate goal. 

Joe Almeida would score his first goal of the season when his shot, right off the face off, put the Owls up 4-1 with 16:23 left in the game. Penalties once again hurt the Owls in the third, as Holy Cross would score twice on a double minor penalty to make the game 4-3. With 7:33 left, Colin Piece would give Westfield a little bit of insurance, after shooting the puck in from left wing side. Westfield would take three more penalties in the last seven minutes of regulation. With 2:48 left in the game, Holy Cross would once again score a power play goal to cut the Owls lead to one. With 26 seconds left, Holy Cross would pull their goalie for six on four advantage but Westfield held on to escape with the 5-4 victory. 

Westfield returns to conference play next Saturday when they host Rhode Island College. It will mark the midway point of the season. Just a reminder that the Owls will be hosting a fundraising event on Veteran's Day when they host Norwich University. It has a special 2:00 pm start and all ticket sales will go to the Fontenot Memorial Fund & the Barnes Airmen Fund. 

GAME SHEET: 11/1/14 VS. HOLY CROSS

Goals: Reilly, Smith, Brown (1), Almeida (1), Pierce

Goalie: Franco (2-2-0)

Power Play: 0 for 2

Penalty Kill: 3 for 6

Westfield 5 - Holy Cross 2

GAME SHEET: 10/28/14 @ HOLY CROSS

Goals: Reilly , A. Russo, Galvin, Pierce 

Goalie: Thornton (2-1-1)

Power Play: 2 for 5

Penalty Kill: 9 for 10 

Owls Slowed Down By Special Teams

Westfield, MA --- Coming off a tough loss to intrastate rivals Bridgewater State last weekend, the Westfield State club hockey team hosted Eastern Connecticut State on Alumni Weekend, at Amelia Park, Saturday evening. Westfield found themselves trailing midway through the first period as they were having trouble setting up their power play. Kevin Morton would give the Warriors a 1-0 lead after the first 20 minutes of play. The Owl's special teams unit would continue to struggle early in the second period and the Owls found themselves in a 3-0 hole midway through the second period. Two quick strikes by Zach Smith and captain, David Russo, made it a 3-2 game heading into the final period. 

Both teams came out of the locker rooms fired up for the last period but just 1:33 in, Eastern Connecticut would double their lead to make it 4-2, on a screened shot from the point. Christian Keaton would get his third goal of the game to make it a 5-2 game with 12:19 remaining. Westfield elected to pull their goalie with 3:30 remaining in the game to try to mount a comeback with a two man advantaged. Schyler Reilly would score with 43 seconds left in the game but it was too little, too late as the Warriors defeated the Owls by the score of 5-3. 

Westfield's next game is on Tuesday night at 8:00 pm. They travel to Worcester, MA to take on Holy Cross. The two teams will play a home and home series with the Owls hosting the Crusaders on Saturday in Westfield. For the latest news and score updates, please follow the team's twitter @wsuclub. 

GAME SHEET: 10/25/14 VS. EASTERN CT STATE UNIV.

Goals: Smith, D. Russo, Reilly
Goalie: Franco (1-2-0)
Power Play: 1 for 7
Penalty Kill: 4 for 6

Reilly Tricks New Haven, Owls Win 6-1

Westfield, MA --- The Westfield State University club hockey team recorded their first win of the 2014-2015 season on Saturday as they defeated University of New Haven 6-1. Westfield would get into penalty trouble early, spending six out of the first eight minutes of the game on the penalty kill. Schyler Reilly would get his first goal of the night when he flew by the Chargers defenseman on the left wing side for a short-handed breakaway goal. Connor Sweeney would make it 2-0 with the man advantage with 6:28 remaining in the first period.  Midway through the second period, Zach Vatcher and Schyler Reilly would skate in on a 2 on 1 break into the Chargers zone. Vatcher found Reilly across the crease and put it past New Haven's Samulenas. Westfield would take a 3-0 lead into the third period. 

With 12 minutes remaining in the game, Colin Pierce found Connor Sweeney at the top of the face-off circle, and his shot went high glove through a screen in front of the net. New Haven would find the score sheet 51 seconds later though on the power play to make the score 4-1. Schyler Reilly would record a hat trick with 9:23 left in regulation and Colin Pierce would score his first goal of the season with 7:34 left and the Owls would go on to win by the score of 6-1. 

Westfield and New Haven will meet on Friday down in West Haven, CT at 8:00pm. The Owls return home on Saturday night to host Bridgewater State at 5:00pm. To get score updates please follow the team's twitter @wsuclub . 

10/11/2014 - VS UNIV. OF NEW HAVEN

Goals: Reilly (1,2,3), Sweeney (1,2), Pierce (1)
Goalies: Thornton (1-0-0-1)
Power Play: 2 for 4 (15%)
Penalty Kill: 6 for 7 (87%)

Westfield's Offense Blanked In Loss At Bridgewater

Bridgewater, MA --- It didn't take long for Bridgewater State to break the scoreless tie, as Bears' defenseman Jake Dyl, slipped a knuckle puck past Nick Franco 15 seconds into the game. The Owls had trouble generating offense in the first period and were only able to get perimeter shots on rookie netminder Peter Drowne. With 4:27 remaining in the first period, Kody Casavant would make it 2-0 Bears with a shot from the top of the circle. Neither team really took control during the middle stanza but BSU would get the only goal. Mason Yates would end the scoring with a shot from the corner that went off the goalie and in the net. The two teams would skate scoreless for the final 30 minutes of the game. Westfield gained momentum in the third period and had several scoring opportunities but were not able to put one past Drowne. Even though it was not the result that the Owls were looking for, there are a few positives that the team can take out of the game. 

The Owls would like to thank Tom Convery for the post game meal. They return to action on Saturday as they host University of New Haven at Amelia Park Arena at 5:00 pm. If  you can't make it to Westfield, follow the team's twitter @wsuclub . 

Goals: None
Goaltender: Franco (0-1-0)
Power Play: 0 for 4 (0%)
Penalty Kill: 4 for 4 (88%)

Owls Fall In Overtime In Season Opener

Newington, CT --- The Westfield State University club hockey team dropped a heart breaker in overtime on Saturday night by the score of 2-1. Central Connecticut would capitalize on an early penalty only three minutes into the game as they were able to slide a puck past Senior netminder Nick Franco. After coming out a little flat, Westfield really turned on the pressure the second half of the period and controlled most of the play. With 4:00 left in the period, Tyler Reopel would knot the game up 1-1. Ryan Garvey collected his first collegiate point with an assist. Colin Pierce picked up the secondary helper.

Midway through the second period, Chase Thornton would come in relief. Both goaltenders were fantastic and made several key saves to keep the game tied through two periods of play. Things got a little tense in the closing minutes of the third period as Westfield had to kill off back to back penalties. With the teams being tied 1-1 after 60 minutes of hockey, they headed to overtime.

A lot of open room gave Westfield some scoring opportunities but with 2:20 remaining, Central Connecticut broke in on a 2 on 1 and found the back of the net for the extra point.

Westfield will return to action on Friday when they open up league play at Bridgewater State. The game is at Bridgewater Ice Arena and the first puck drop is scheduled for 8:10 pm. If you can't make the game, get updates on the teams twitter @wsuclub .

9/27/14: CENTRAL CONNECTICUT BOX SCORE

Goal: Reopel (1)
Saves: Franco (0-0-0-0), Thornton (0-0-0-1)
Power Play: 0 for 5 (0%)
Penalty Kill: 3 for 4 (75%)

FIRST GAME TONIGHT

Westfield, MA --- Westfield opens up their season tonight as they travel to Newington Arena to play Central Connecticut State University at 8:00 PM. Ryan Garvey, John Galvin, Luke Foley, Josh Brown and Joe Santaniello are all expected to make their collegiate debut for the Owls tonight. Central Connecticut defeated Eastern Connecticut last night 8-3 in their home opener. For updates, follow the team's twitter account @wsuclub 

2014-2015 ROSTER

1. Chase Thornton	14. Zach Smith
2. Ryan Garvey	15. Connor Sweeney
3. John Galvin	16. David Russo "C"
4. Mark Eagles	17. Tyler Reopel
5. Pat Donovan	18. Anthony Aspromonti
6. Pat O'Neil	19. Joe Almeida
7. Mike LaManna	20. Josh Brown
8. Cole Connolly	21. Luke Foley
9. Aniel Russo	22. Corey Jenks
10. Colin Pierce	23. Schyler Reilly "A"
11. Zach Vatcher	24. Joe Santaniello
12. CJ Kenny	29. Nick Liberto
13. Brian Bassett	30. Nick Franco "A"
Assistant Coach: Pat Lusteg	Head Coach: Marc Lachance

DAVID RUSSO NAMED 2014-15 CAPTAIN

Westfield, MA --- Congratulations to David Russo on being named captain for the 2014-15 season. David is a fourth year player for the club team and was an assistant captain last season. David has done whatever the coaching staff has asked of him and is a versatile player playing both forward and defense. Assistant captains will be named at a later time. 

SCHEDULE RELEASED

Westfield, MA ---- The Westfield State University (ACHA) hockey team has released their schedule for the 2014-2015 season. Westfield will open on the road on September 27th as they play 7th ranked Central Connecticut State University. The Owls will play division foes Bridgewater State, University of New Haven, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University, Sacred Heart University and newcomer Eastern Connecticut State University in home and home series. Other opponents include: Holy Cross, Norwich University, Springfield College and Daniel Webster College. On November 11th, the Owls will host Norwich University in their second annual fundraiser game. Please note, that some times for away games may change and others are TBA. Follow the club's twitter account @wsuclub for the latest information. 

2014-2015 SCHEDULE



September 27th	SAT	@ Central CT State University	8:00 PM	Newington Arena
October 3rd	FRI	@ Bridgewater State University *	8:10 PM	Bridgewater Ice Arena
October 11th	SAT	UNIV. OF NEW HAVEN *	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
October 17th	FRI	@ Univ. of New Haven *	8:00 PM	Bennett Arena
October 18th	SAT	BRIDGEWATER STATE *	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
October 25th	SAT	EASTERN CT STATE *	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
October 28th	TUE	@ Holy Cross	8:00 PM	Hart Center
November 1st	SAT	HOLY CROSS	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
November 8th	SAT	RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE *	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
November 11th	TUE	NORWICH UNIVERSITY	2:00 PM	Amelia Park
November 14th	FRI	@ Rhode Island College *	8:00 PM	Dennis Lynch Arena
November 16th	SUN	@ Sacred Heart University *	8:45 PM	Wonderland of Ice
November 22nd	SAT	SACRED HEART UNIV. *	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
December 6th	SAT	@ Roger Williams Univ. *	6:00 PM	Driscoll Arena
January 24th	SAT	@ Daniel Webster College	6:30 PM	Tyngsboro Skate 3
January 31st	SAT	ROGER WILLIAMS UNIV.*	5:00 PM	Amelia Park
February 6th	FRI	@ Eastern CT State Univ. *	8:10 PM	Bolton Ice Palace
February 7th	SAT	@ Springfield College	5:30 PM	Fitzpatrick Arena

IMPORTANT DATES

WEDNESDAY (9/10) - MANDATORY INTEREST MEETING 

THURSDAY (9/11) - CAPTAIN'S ICE

TUESDAY (9/16) - TRYOUT # 1 

THURSDAY (9/18) - TRYOUT # 2 

The Westfield State University (ACHA) club hockey team will hold their mandatory interest meeting on Wednesday at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Woodward Lounge. All interested players should bring a pen. 

On Thursday, the captains will be hosting open ice at Amelia Park Arena at 10:00 pm. All players who are interested should attend. 

Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, September 16th at 10 pm and Thursday, September 18th at 9 pm. Both tryouts will be at Amelia Park Arena. Players should arrive at the rink by 8:45 with a jersey with a number on the back. Players who need a ride to the rink should contact Coach Lachance by email at mmjl87@gmail.com to help set up a car pool with other students. Final roster should be made after the second tryout on the 18th. 

Any other questions, please contact Coach Lachance 

Interested Players

Sacred Heart Wins 2014 NECHA Championship

Nashua, NH --  Notes from around the league:

• Sacred Heart University defeated Bates College 6-5 on Sunday to capture their second straight league championship. 
• Westfield State finished the season 11-7-0 and finished fourth in the American Conference's Southwest Division with 8 points.
• Westfield was 7-1-0 out of conference
• Forward Steve Evans led the team with 31 points
• Stay tuned for the league to announce league all stars within the next couple of weeks
• Stay tuned for a end of the season team dinner: TBA

UConn Defeats Westfield 6-1

Storrs, CT -- University of Connecticut came out strong and controlled most of the play in the first period as they celebrated their Senior Night.. Phil Vermiglio put the Huskies on the board first with a power play goal from the left wing circle at 13:41. Senior, Paul Cinquegrana would increase their lead midway through the first period. Zach Smith had a chance on a breakaway in the closing minutes of the period but was stopped by netminder Mike Ford. UConn would take a 3-0 lead heading into the intermission. 

Westfield regrouped during the break and played one of their best periods of hockey this season. Nick Liberto made several key saves to keep the Owls close as they tried to generate some offense. Liberto would finish the night making 72 saves, a career best. Corey Jenks would get the Owls' only goal of the night after picking the puck up at the blue line and firing a wrist shot top shelf. Steve Evans would pick up the lone assist on the goal. After holding UConn scoreless in the second period, the Owls went into the locker room trailing the 5th ranked team in the country 3-1. 

In the first half of the third period, the game was still up for grabs. There was a lot of back and forth action as each team traded scoring chances. However, three goals in a 3 minute span towards the end made the score a little lopsided. UConn came into the game on a 21 game winning streak and would increase their streak with the final score of 6-1. 

The Owls finish their 2013-14 schedule next Saturday as they travel to Sacred Heart University. Westfield defeated the Pioneers 6-2 when the two teams last met at Amelia Park back in October. The Owls look to improve their record to .500 in conference play this season. 

Goal: Jenks (8)
Goaltender: Liberto (72 Saves, 5-4-0)
Power Play: 0 for 2
Penalty Kill: 3 for 4

Senior Night Photos

#17 Nick Rose

#21 Joe Green

#21 Joe Green

#21 Joe Green

#24 Steve Evans

#20 Scott Walters

# 1 Ryan DiMare

Five Goal Second Period Propels Westfield To 8-2 Win

Cambridge, MA ---

GAME SHEET: 1/26/2014 @ MIT

Goals: Evans (15,16), Kenny (3), Green (6), Reilly (14), Almeida (1), Smith (5), Sweeney (4)
Goaltender: Liberto (28 Saves, 5-3-0)
Power Play: 2 for 2
Penalty Kill: 1 for 2

Senior Night A Success: Owls 6, Crusaders 3

Westfield, MA --- The Westfield State University club hockey team celebrated their last home game of the season by honoring the seniors before hosting the College of the Holy Cross. In the game, all the senior skaters picked up at least a point and senior netminder Ryan DiMare picked up his 6th win of the season as the Owls beat the Crusaders by the score of 6-3. Westfield would score two quick power play goals in the middle of the first period to jump out to a two goal lead. Aniel Russo found Corey Jenks in front of the net to put the Owls on the board at the 10:02 mark of the first period. 49 seconds later, CJ Kenny would score his second goal of the season with the second power play tally of the game. Luke Lauchert would cut the lead in half at 6:58 and Westfield would take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

In the second, Schyler Reilly would tip a Scotty Walters shot in front and the Owls regained their two goal lead only 4 1/2 minutes into the middle stanza. Holy Cross would turn up the pressure and would score two goals in 19 seconds to close out the period and the teams would go to the locker rooms tied at three goals a piece.

Westfield played a clean third period which led the way for the Owls to score three third period goals. Corey Jenks would get his second goal of the night with a laser of a shot from the left wing side. Senior co-captain, Nick Rose would score two goals, one with the man advantage, in a two minute span and the Owls went on to sweep the season series with Holy Cross.

The team would like to thank the Rose's and the Green's for hosting the team's pizza party after the game. Nick Rose (4 Years) and Joey Green (4 Years) are the definition of what leaders are and they have left a lasting impression on the program. The team would also like to thank Ryan DiMare (2 Years), Steve Evans (1 Year) and Scotty Walters (1 Year) for their contributions to the team. We wish all the seniors the best of luck in the future! Pictures of the event will be posted later in the week.

GAME SHEET: 1/25/2014 VS HOLY CROSS

Goals: Jenks (6,7), Kenny (2), Reilly (13), Rose (5,6)
Goaltender: DiMare (35 Saves, 6-2-0)
Power Play: 3 for 5
Penalty Kill:  4 for 5

Owls Host Holy Cross On Senior Night



Westfield, MA --- After a month off, the Westfield State Owls begin practicing on January 21st to prepare for their last home game of the season. Westfield will be saluting their seniors as they host the College of the Holy Cross at Amelia Park at 5:00pm. For the seniors, it will give them one more chance to play at Amelia Park before heading out on a three game road trip to end the 2013-14 season. The two teams last met on December 1st when Westfield held on for a 6-5 victory over the Crusaders. Westfield is 1-0-1-1 against Holy Cross all time.