Auburn, MA --- Junior Vinny Bohn (Spring Hill, FL/El Paso Rhinos) collected a goal and an assist - including the decisive marker - to help propel Worcester State to a 3-1 victory over Western New England University in non-conference men's ice hockey action this evening at Horgan Arena.
The Lancers (3-0) took an early 1-0 lead when freshman Alex Dewitz (Oronoco, MN/Helena Bighorns) found the back of the net for his first collegiate marker with help from junior classmates Andrew Bates (Marblehead, MA/Boston Jr. Bulldogs) and Stephen Rock (Tulsa, OK/Idaho Jr. Steelheads) at the 7:50 mark of the opening period.
The Golden Bears (1-1) netted the equalizer as junior Brandon Stroud (Clarksville, IN/New Jersey Hitmen) finished in front off assists by seniors Dan Monahan (Monroe, NY/New Jersey Hitmen) and Alan Martin (Monson, MA/Springfield Pics) at 15:58 of the second frame.
Both squads skated hard in the final period looking for the go ahead score. There was a lot of back-and-fourth action before Worcester State finally tilted the score in their favor when Bohn lit the lamp at 17:09 for the 2-1 advantage.
Juniors Andrew Pierson (Clovis, CA/Fresno Monsters) and Nathan Stanley (Meridian, ID/Idaho Jr. Steelheads) aided on the eventual game-winning tally.
The Blue and Gold added a late empty net goal as senior Derek Serbon (Crown Point, IN/Tulsa Rampage) flicked the puck from the center dot and watched it slide over the goal line for the 3-1 score. Bohn chipped in with a point on the helper with 35 seconds left in regulation.
WSU sophomore net-minder Salvatore Tecci (Franklin, MA/Long Beach Bombers) recorded 34 saves in the contest to improve to 2-0 on the campaign while his counterpart, senior Eric Sorenson (Fairport, NY/Syracuse Stars), turned aside 19 shots in the set back to fall to 1-1 on the season.
Western New England outshot the Lancers 35-21, but was unable to capitalize on the man-advantage as they went 0-for-8 while WSU wasn't much better. The hosts were 1-for-6 with the extra attacker.
Worcester State returns to action next Tuesday when they host UMass Dartmouth in the MASCAC opener for each squad at 5:45 PM and the Golden Bears return home to take on Becker on Saturday at 4:40 PM.
Story By John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant
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