Auburn, MA --- Senior Tim D'Orazio (Jamison, PA) snapped a 2-2 tie 2:50 into overtime and added an assist to help Worcester State defeat Plymouth State, 3-2, in MASCAC ice hockey action this evening at Horgan Memorial Rink.
For the senior it was his team-leading fifth goal of the year as the Lancers now improve to 3-4-2 overall and 1-3-1 in conference play. The first-place Panthers fall to 6-2 as their league record now stands at 3-1.
Worcester State opened the game's scoring at the 11:09 mark of the first period when sophomore Ryan Quirk (Brockton, MA) netted a shot from the left side of the rink putting the Lancers ahead, 1-0.
Plymouth State answered in the second period when second-year Dave Walters (Ottawa, ON) scored at the 6:25 mark cleaning up a puck in front of the goal to tie the game at 1-1.
Senior John Cahalane (Tewksbury, MA) gave WSU one-goal edge 22 seconds into the third period with the extra man advantage getting assists from D'Orazio and classmate Nick Asterito (Philadelphia, PA).
The Panthers responded at 9:23 of the third period as junior Richie Zobak (Evergreen Park, IL) scored on their only power play chance of the evening with helpers coming from classmate Phil Moore (Lower Onslow, NS) and freshman Mike Freitag (Westmont, IL).
The contest was highlighted by a pair of outstanding defensive plays. WSU junior Tim Bowman (Moorpark, CA) preserved a scoreless tie midway though the opening frame as he used his stick to clear the puck from the crease.
Zobak also blocked a one-timer opportunity diving in front of a pass on a two-on-one rush early in the extra session.
The clinching marker by D'Orazio came on a wrist-shot from the left side receiving assists by Cahalane and Asterito. D'Orazio now leads the team with eight points (5 goals – 3 assists).
The Lancers shrugged off a 0-for-5 start on their power play opportunities before their second goal of the contest came with the extra-man advantage.
Worcester State senior goalie Bryan Kalczynski (Tonawanda, NY) was sensational in net as he turned aside 40 of the 42 shots he saw on the evening. Junior Jack Astedt (Angelholm, Sweden) collected 30 saves in the defeat for the Panthers.
The Panthers outshot WSU 42-33 for the game including a 15-10 clip in the second period.
Both teams will take on MASCAC opponents in their next match-ups. The Blue and Gold will travel to Salem State on Saturday for a 2 PM tilt while Plymouth State will host UMass Dartmouth Thursday at 6 o'clock.
Release by Jim Sarkisian – Sports Information Intern