Men’s Ice Hockey Falls to AMCATS, 3–1 In Conference Matchup

THE BASICS

Anna Maria College 3 vs. Salem State University 1 

Records: 

Anna Maria AMCATS (11-5-2) 

Salem State Vikings (5-12-3)

Location: Salem, MA

Date: Saturday January 31^st, 2026

THE BASICS:
In a tightly contested conference matchup, the Salem State Vikings dropped a 3–1 decision to the AMCATS despite a strong, competitive effort throughout all three periods. Salem State opened the scoring late in the first period at the 18:26 mark to take an early 1–0 lead and set the tone for a physical, fast-paced game. The AMCATS answered early in the second period with a shorthanded goal just 40 seconds in, knotting the game at 1–1 in what would be the lone goal of the middle frame. Both teams showcased disciplined defense, strong goaltending, and sustained offensive pressure, keeping the contest evenly matched heading into the third. The AMCATS gained the edge with a go-ahead goal at the 1:30 mark of the final period, but the Vikings controlled stretches of play and generated quality scoring chances in response. Salem State pushed hard late, pulling the goalie for an extra attacker to spark an offensive surge, but was unable to break through. An empty-net goal in the closing moments sealed the outcome, as the AMCATS secured the 3–1 victory despite a determined Vikings effort.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The Salem State Vikings set the tone early and struck first in a tightly contested matchup against the AMCATS. At the 18:26 mark of the opening period, Aren Francis broke through with a goal to give the Vikings a 1–0 lead, assisted by Jon Waselko. The goal capped off a strong first period for Salem State, highlighted by disciplined defense and steady goaltending from Will Nepveu.

Momentum shifted briefly early in the second period, as the AMCATS found the equalizer just 40 seconds in. The goal came shorthanded, tying the game at 1–1, and would stand as the only tally of the middle frame. Both teams settled into a defensive battle for the remainder of the period, with Nepveu continuing to make key saves to keep the Vikings and AMCATS tied. The intensity carried into the third period, with Salem State generating sustained offensive pressure and quality scoring chances. Despite the Vikings and AMCATS going back and forth it would be the AMCATS who capitalized at the 1:30 mark of the third period to take a 2–1 lead. With plenty of time remaining, the Vikings would respond with a strong offensive surge, forcing the AMCATS goalie to come up with several crucial stops.

In the final minutes, Salem State pulled Nepveu for the extra attacker, creating additional chances and keeping the pressure on in search of the tying goal. Despite the strong push, the AMCATS sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal late, securing a 3–1 win over the Vikings. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Will Nepveu would have 30 saves on 32 shots against the Amcats of Anna Maria College. 
• Aren Francis would lead the Vikings offense scoring the only goal for the Vikings, while Jon Waselkowould tally the only Vikings assist. 

 UP NEXT: 

The Vikings are back in action on Thursday February, 5^th 2026, where they will host the Raiders of Rivier University for a MASCAC conference matchup. Puck drop is set to start at 7:00pm.