RUTLAND, Vt. (Friday, December 6, 2024)-- Cade Destefani set in motion a series of two Salve Regina University men's ice hockey goals in the second period and one in the third before Vermont State University Castleton was able to score in the Seahawks' first of two games against the Spartans this weekend. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Salve Regina 3, VTSU Castleton 2
Records: Salve Regina (5-3-1, 4-3-0 NEHC), VTSU Castleton (2-9-1, 0-7-0 NEHC)
History: Today marks the sixth meeting of the Spartans and Seahawks in men's ice hockey. VTSU Castleton won the last meeting 3-0 on January 3, 2015. Salve's most recent win was a 4-1 victory at Portsmouth Abbey on January 10, 2006. 

NOTEWORTHY:

• After one period neither team made it on the board, however the Seahawks outshot the Spartans 10-8. VTSU Castleton had the advantage in the circle with nine face off wins to the Seahawks four. 
• The VTSU Castleton Spartans got a power play advantage when the Seahawks were called for hooking 3:06 into the period but it was short-lived for the Spartans when Zach Papapetros was sent to the box for tripping at the 3:45 mark. Cade Destefani scored the Seahawks first goal of the night and his third goal of the year two minutes later when he scored from the slot in a four on four situation with time left on both penalties. Cayden Bailey faced a series of shots on goal beginning at the 7:05 mark and managed to deflect or rely on teammates to block each of them. Damon Zimmer tipped in the second goal of the night on the power play after a Spartan delay of game penalty with about five minutes remaining in period two. 
• VTSU Castleton was set up with a five on three opportunity when two Seahawks found themselves in the penalty box for two separate cross checking calls in period three. The Seahawks remained steadfast even with a two-man disadvantage and Bailey was unshakable in net. Matthew Brunton scored his fourth goal of the year shortly after he exited the penalty box following a rebounded save by Spartans' Josh Ward. 
• The final 20 minutes in regulation got exciting when, with 2:47 to go, the Spartans converted their first of two goals, allowing fans to throw their teddy bears on the ice in Castleton's teddy bear toss game. Spartans' Andrew Stefur scored with a six on four advantage. VTSU Castleton made the decision to pull their goalie and together with a power play opportunity it was enough for them to find the back of the net. Shortly after Logan Dappric netted his first goal of the season. 

ON THE HORIZON
Tomorrow men's ice hockey is back at Spartan Arena with a 4 p.m. puck drop in game two against VTSU Castleton. The Spartans will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the grand opening of Spartan Arena.