Men’s Hockey Preps for Weekend Series with Salve Regina

BOSTON – Suffolk men's hockey looks to return to win the column this weekend as it is set for a home-and-home series with Commonwealth Coast Conference counterpart, who is receiving votes in the USCHO DIII Poll, Salve Regina. The Rams will first visit the Seahawks Friday, Nov. 10 for a 7 p.m. puck drop, before heading to the friendly confines of Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Rink in Charlestown for a Saturday (Nov. 11) showdown at 7:30 p.m.

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LAST TIME OUT
Suffolk's first Commonwealth Coast Conference point was put on hold as Nichols put the puck between the post first in the extra session to take a 3-2 conference victory over the Rams at Levy Rink Nov. 4.

MORE READING: Nichols Breaks Down Men's Hockey in Overtime, 3-2

RAMS RUNDOWN
After defeating Assumption in the season opener, Suffolk has slipped in back-to-back outings to Nichols to take a 1-2-0 overall and 0-2-0 league ledger into the weekend. 

Seven of the Rams' eight goals this season have come off first time scorers with four freshmen finding the back of the netting through their first three collegiate contests. Rookie Matt Bucher leads Suffolk's offense two goals, while classmate Jack Kelly has scored once and set up one goal for two points. 

In net, Michael Levine and Will Ribas have each seen action. In two starts Levine racked up a 2.50 GAA and a .928 save percentage. Ribas, meanwhile, brings in a 2.94 GAA and a .900 save percentage with one game under his belt.  

SEAHAWKS SAYINGS
All three of Salve Regina's contests have been decided by a 3-2 margin with the Seahawks winning a pair and falling once in overtime to Western New England to hold a 2-1 overall record and a 1-1-0 conference mark. 

A duo of Seahawks boasts four-point identical stat lines of two goals and two assists in sophomore Jack Billings and freshman Danny Eruzione. Eric Lipa's one strike and two helpers are good for second on the team with John McLean's two points on one marker and one handout sitting fourth. 

In net, Blake Wojtala has seen all the action in between the pipes. The junior netminder holds a 2.28 goals against average and a .920 save percentage, giving up seven goals through three contests on the young season.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Suffolk and Salve Regina will meet for the 27th time Friday dating back to the 1999-2000 season. Thanks to a 5-0 win over the Rams last season, the Seahawks took a 12-11-3 all-time series lead.

EYES ON THE GAME

FRESHMEN FRENZY
Of the 13 earned by individual Rams this season, eight have been recorded by rookies. Matt Bucher's two-goal day in the season opener versus Assumption leads the way with his classmates, Jack Kelly (1g, 1a), Mark Barton (1a), Jared McCracken (1g), Joseph Mortillaro (1a) and Gavin O'Neill (1a) also producing the first points of their collegiate careers.

SHORTHANDED SAVY
Connor Henry has a knack for taking advantage when Suffolk is a man-down. Two of the junior's six goals have come when a Ram is in the penalty box. In the season opener, the forward netted his second shorthanded strike of his career and became the first Ram to do so since he accomplished the feat in a 4-3 win against the University of New England Feb. 11, 2017. 

WHAT'S TO COME
Suffolk is set to take on Western New England in a pair of games next week. The Rams will entertain the Golden Bears Thursday, Nov. 16, traveling to Western New England Saturday, Nov. 18.