Box Score

Fitchburg, Mass. –   The Fitchburg State University ice hockey team claimed the 2018 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) title with a 2-0 victory over fourth seeded Corsairs of UMass Dartmouth on Saturday evening at Wallace Civic Center. For his efforts in goal, Brian McGrath was named the Tournament MVP.

After a scoreless first period the Falcons tipped the twine at the 16:54 mark of the second frame. Aided by the man advantage Fitchburg State kept steady pressure inside the offensive zone. Senior Corey Hayashi (Toronto, Ont.) started the play from the wall as he saucered the pass to junior Connor McPherson (Clovis, Calif.) at the point. Sophomore Kyle Hillick (Byfield, Ma.)finished the play as he tipped McPherson's blast from the blueline past the sprawling UMass Dartmouth netminder, Drew Michals (Newton, Mass.).

In the third period, Fitchburg State doubled its margin (2-0) six minutes into the stanza when sophomore forward Tyler Warila (Shirley, Mass.) gathered a feed from junior Nick DiNicola(Wolcott, Conn) and freshman Sascha Figi (Kloten, Switzerland) before depositing the puck inside the near post for his 14th marker of the year.

This evening's contest marks the 75th meeting between the two schools on the ice with the Falcons currently 29-39-7 all-time when taking on the Corsairs.

Two teams had split the season series this year (1-1-1). With the Falcons securing a 6-3 triumph in the third contest (2/1/18).

In goal, freshman Brian McGrath (Worcester, Mass.) turned aside 45 shots for the Falcons in the complete game effort

For the Corsairs, Michals finished with 25 saves in 58:18 minutes of work.

UMass Dartmouth held a 45-27 advantage in shots.

Fitchburg State went 1-for-5 with the man advantage, while UMass Dartmouth finished 0-for-3 on the power-play.

With the win, the Falcons await its NCAA DIII Ice Hockey Tournament seeding when the pairings are announced Monday.

Release courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information