Vikings Battle Past MCLA, 3–2, in Conference Road Win

THE BASICS

MCLA 2 vs. Salem State 3 

Records: 

MCLA Trailblazers (4-11-3) 

Salem State Vikings (5-11-3)

Location: North Adams, MA 

Date: Thursday January 29, 2026

THE BASICS:
Powered by a strong opening period and a timely third-period response, the Salem State Vikings secured a hard-fought 3–2 road victory over MCLA. Salem struck twice in the first period to build an early cushion, then weathered a Trailblazers comeback that erased the lead early in the third. With momentum swinging, the Vikings answered with the game-winning goal midway through the final frame and locked things down defensively to hold off MCLA and come away with the road win.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The Vikings jumped out to an early lead in the first period, striking first on the power play at the 9:40 mark. Eric Whitelaw opened the scoring for Salem, finishing a setup from Landyn Greatorex and Mitch Wilkie to give the Vikings an early 1–0 advantage. Salem kept the pressure on just two minutes later, as Zach Dill found the back of the net at 11:40 off a feed from James Tatro, sending the Vikings into the first intermission up 2–0.

The Trailblazers would respond in the second period by tightening defensively and limiting Salem's scoring chances, while also getting on the scoreboard to cut the Vikings' lead to one. The Trailblazers carried that momentum into the third period and tied the game at 2–2 with a goal at the 5:27 mark.

With the game deadlocked, Salem elevated its offensive intensity and was rewarded midway through the final period. At 9:23 of the third, Eric Whitelaw netted his second goal of the night, converting passes from Zach Dill and Aren Francis to put the Vikings back in front. Salem's defense and goaltending held firm down the stretch, shutting down MCLA's late push to secure the 3–2 road victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Eric Whitlaw would score two goals for the Vikings, to record a multi-goal night against the Trailblazers, including the game winning goal for the Vikings. 
• Will Nepveu would have 28 saves on 30 shots against the Trailblazers for the conference win. 
• Landyn Greatorex, Mitch Wilkie, James Tatro, Zach Dill & Aren Francis would all record assists against the Trailblazers. 

UP NEXT: 

The Vikings are back in action on Saturday January 31, 2026, where they will return home to take on the AMCATS of Anna Maria College for a MASCAC conference matchup. Puck drop is set to start at 3:00pm.