Auburn, MA --- Westfield State sophomore Dalton Jay (Hamilton, ON/Hamilton Red Wings) recorded a hat-trick to help propel the Owls past Worcester State, 6-2, in MASCAC men's ice hockey action this evening at Horgan Rink.

Westfield State (4-5, 4-1 MASCAC) struck first when senior Taylor Murphy (Toronto, ON/Markham Waxers) netted his second goal of the campaign at 2:39 of the first period for the 1-0 edge.

The Owls then grabbed the 3-0 edge with a pair of goals over a two minute span as first-year Mike Busconi (Watertown, MA/Winchendon School) up lit the lamp at 12:37 before Jay potted his first tally of the contest at the 14:11 mark.

Worcester State (4-5-1, 0-4-1 MASCAC) used the man-advantage to get on the board when senior Curtis Martin (Okotoks, Alberta/San Diego Gulls) blasted a one-timer from the left dot at the 17:07 mark for the 3-1 score.

Jay then registered back-to-back scores midway through the second stanza to balloon the Owl lead to 5-1. Jay slapped one home at 9:05 before securing the hat-trick with a marker at 12:20.

Martin continued to be a factor for the Blue and Gold as he sent a beautiful pass to freshman Alex Taddeo (Franklin, MA/Boston Jr. Rangers) who finished past the goalie for the 5-2 score at 14:54 of the second frame. The marker for Taddeo was the first as a collegiate player.

However, Westfield State added a late goal from senior Tyler Prendergast (Richmond Hill, ON/Whitby Fury) at the 15:07 mark of the third period for the final score.

Owl senior Eddie Davey (Orangeville, ON/Abitibi Eskimos) stopped 41 shots to push his record to 4-1 between the pipes.

Worcester State sophomore Drew Case (Plano, TX/Northern Cyclones) recorded 14 saves before being relieved by classmate Salvatore Tecci (Franklin, MA/Long Beach Bombers) who turned aside 17 shots over the final 27:40 of play. Case saw his record fall to 2-2 with the loss.

The Lancers outshot the visitors 43-37, but went 1-for-7 with the extra attacker as Westfield State couldn't convert on any of their three power play chances.

Both squads return to action on Saturday with 2 PM affairs against conference opponents as Worcester State travels to Salem State and the Owls head to Plymouth State.

Story By John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant

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