MIDDLETOWN, R.I. — The Salve Regina University men's ice hockey team rallied for a 3-2 victory over Western New England University Friday night at St. George's Ice Rink, improving to 3-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play.
After falling behind 1-0 in the opening period, the Seahawks erupted for three goals in the second frame to take control of the contest and secure their third consecutive victory to open the 2026-27 season.
Western New England struck first at 17:25 of the opening period to give the Golden Bears a 1-0 advantage heading into the first intermission. Salve responded early in the second period. Jack Arizo evened the score at 3:43, finishing a play set up by Mike Minchello to bring the Seahawks back level at 1-1.
Just over two minutes later, Brady Plaza gave Salve its first lead of the evening. At 6:10, Plaza found the back of the net off assists from Parker Mabbett and Teddie Hember, putting the Seahawks ahead 2-1.
Salve continued to build momentum and added an important insurance goal on the power play. Max Wennerberg converted at 12:15, with Minchello and Mabbett collecting assists to extend the advantage to 3-1.
Western New England attempted to mount a comeback in the third period, cutting the deficit to one with a power-play goal at 11:49. However, the Seahawks held firm defensively over the remaining minutes to preserve the 3-2 victory.
Kai Weigel delivered a strong performance between the pipes for Salve, turning aside 28 of 30 shots to earn the victory. The Seahawks also generated 38 shots on goal, compared to 30 for the Golden Bears.
Wennerberg led Salve with a goal and five shots on goal, while Mabbett contributed two assists and four shots. Minchello also recorded two assists, and Brady Plaza finished with a goal and three shots on net.
Defensively, Salve recorded 10 blocked shots, with Mabbett and Roger Davis each contributing two.
The victory keeps the Seahawks unbeaten through their first three games of the season as they continue their strong start to the 2026-27 campaign.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Salve Regina 3, Western New England 2
Records: Salve Regina (3-0-0, 1-0-0 CNE), Western New England (0-2-0, 0-1-0 CNE)
ON THE HORIZON:
Men's ice hockey will be on the road against the Golden Bears tomorrow at 4 p.m.
