Worcester, MA- In a return to Fidelity Bank Ice Center for 2025, the Worcester State Men's Ice Hockey team (6-6-1, 3-3-1) take on top in the conference Plymouth State. In the previous meeting this season the Panthers claimed the victory but Worcester is primed to rocket to victory over Plymouth to move to over .500 in both conference and regular season records.

Final

Worcester State: 2

Plymouth State: 5

How it Happened:

A high intensity start for the Lancers and and the Panthers had each team going full force and finding chances to score early, but defense of both would seem impenetrable until halfway through the period when a quick breakthrough from Plymouth would find goal number one on the night. Worcester would not bend though, coming back down quickly in the attack. Plymouth would manage to stifle the attack. With just over five to go Plymouth would look to add to their lead with a power play opportunity but Worcester and senior Jakub Kubik (Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic) would successfully kill the chance. A second power play for Plymouth would be presented. Again, the Lancer defense would not crack, carrying a single goal defect into the first intermission. 

The aggression would remain high to start the second which Worcester would capitalize on to score their first of the game from a sophomore Matthew Nuzzolio (Worcester, MA) leading pass to the senior Brigham Neuhold (Edmond, OK) to tie the game at one all. Plymouth would counter with a vengeance in the period grabbing two more goals, with one off a delayed penalty to take a two goal lead with just over 11 minutes to go in the action. Worcester looked to have a chance to cut in with three minutes to go, but a shorthanded goal from Plymouth would provide them the 3 goal lead. Plymouth would add a 5th goal before a power play opportunity found the second for the Lancers from Neuhold off a first year Cam Quigley (Quincy, MA) and sophomore Maximilian Hussar (New Canaan, CT) slip to settle the score at 5-2 into the second intermission. 

Third third period was a far more settled period with each team practicing patience over pressure. Each team was more methodical than urgent resulting in just two penalties in the period but also a quieter offensive attack which allowed Plymouth to hold on to their lead and claim the 5-3 victory.

Kubik would end the night with34 saves while Neuhold would end the night with two goals.

What's Next:

Worcester State (6-7-1, 3-4–1) have almost a week off before their next game which will have them journeying west to Salem State on January 23rd for a 7pm puck drop.