Falcons Fly to 7-3 Victory Over Rams

By Larry Miller/Framingham State athletics

The Framingham State men’s ice hockey team dropped its Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference opener against Fitchburg State 7-3 on Saturday evening at Loring Arena.

With the win the Falcons improve to 3-1 while the Rams slip to 1-1.

The Rams opened up the scoring just over 4 minutes in the game when Jake McKinnon, a Framingham High product, scored his first collegiate goal with assists from Vaughn Guetens and Haden Lyle.

The Falcons proceeded to score the next four goals through the end of the second frame. Cameron Snyder scored a power play goal followed by a Connor McPherson score to end the 1st stanza 2-1 in favor of the visitors.

John Celli and Ryan Connolly each scored goals in the second frame to extend the Falcons lead to 4-1.

The Rams tried to start a comeback just over ninety seconds into the final period when Derek Ridgeway scored a goal but the Falcons answered just moments later when Connolly sent home his second of the game.

Later in the period the Rams again tried to chip away when Tyler Colacchio tallied a goal but less than thirty seconds later Fitchburg answered with a Timmy Genova score. Snyder scored the final goal with less than ninety seconds to go in regulation to reach the final margin.

The Rams were hurt by penalties being called for nine infractions to the Fitchburg four. The Falcons were 2-of-8 on the power play while the Rams were 0-for-2.

Corey McMahon made 321 saves in the win for the Falcons.

Alessio Muggli turned away 22 shots over the 1st two periods before giving way to Scott Nicolich, who made 9 saves in the final frame.

The Rams return to action on Thursday, Nov. 12 when they host Worcester State in MASCAC action.