Salem, MA --- Salem State freshman Casey Miller (Billerica, MA/Sacred Heart) potted the game-winning goal with 1:09 remaining in the second period as the Vikings edged Worcester State, 2-1, in MASCAC men's ice hockey action at the Rockett Arena.

Salem State (10-8-1, 7-5 MASCAC) freshman Michael Casale (Stony Creek, Ontario/Kingston Voyagers) jump started the offense early for the hosts as he scored at the 4:01 mark in the first with junior Andrew Bettencourt (Riverside, RI/Philadelphia Revolution) and senior Cameron Barnwell (Toronto, Ontario/New York Applecore) earning helpers on the play.

Freshman Sean Haltam (Medina, OH/Ogden Mustangs) netted the equalizer for the Lancers (3-12-2, 3-8-1 MASCAC) midway through the opening period when he registered his first collegiate tally. Sophomore Rich Ledy (Marquette, MI/Soo Thunderbirds) provided aid from the back line for WSU.

With the score tied up 1-1 after the first intermission, the middle stanza saw a combined eight power play opportunities between the two squads as the Vikings netted the eventual game-winning goal on their fourth of the period.

Miller outfought a scrum in front of the net and wristed his second of the campaign on assists by senior Kristopher Faric (Wiltby, Ontario/Castleton State) and sophomore John Needham (Medford, MA/Valley Jr Warriors).

The third was closely contested as neither side capitalized on offense. The Lancers had four opportunities with the extra man advantage - including three in the final 12 minutes of regulation and pulled their goalie with one minute left, but could not find the back of the net.

Sophomore Marcus Zelzer (Green Bay, WI/Utica) improved to 4-5 overall by stopping 23 of the 24 shots he saw. Freshman Tyler Fallica (Coram, NY/Ogden Mustangs) collected 30 saves, which were highlighted by the 12 he turned aside in a scoreless final frame.

The Vikings outshot their opponents 32-24 and only converted one of their eight power play opportunities. WSU went 0-for-7 with an extra man on the ice.

This afternoon's setback for the Blue and Gold was their third consecutive one-goal loss.

Both squads will play again on Thursday at 7 PM. Salem State hosts Plymouth State while the Lancers head south to take on UMass Dartmouth.