By Adam Levine
Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams and the Westfield State Owls tied 2-2 in their home matchup Feb. 11.
Westfield was able to win 55 of the 80 faceoffs, but Framingham kept the match close. Neither team scored on any power plays, and Framingham outshot Westfield 41-40.
Both teams began by exchanging shots and possession of the puck. Seven total shots were taken before either team gained an edge.
After 5 minutes of the first period passed, a Westfield player received a minor penalty and was sent to the penalty box for 2 minutes.
After another 3 minutes passed, the Rams’ forward, Sam Larkin, received a minor penalty and was sent to the penalty box for 2 minutes.
Neither team scored off their power play opportunities.
With 9:40 remaining in the first period, Westfield’s Ryan O’Halloran received a 10-minute misconduct penalty and a 2-minute minor penalty for hooking.
During Framingham’s 2-minute power play, the Rams’ defender, Devante Dixon, received a minor penalty and was sent to the penalty box for 2 minutes.
The first period remained even and neither team scored. The first period ended with a 0-0 tie.
Westfield began the second period on the offensive. In the first 2 minutes of the second period, Westfield took four shots and held Framingham to one shot.
After 2:49 of the second period passed, Westfield broke the stalemate. They scored their first goal and took a 1-0 lead.
The Owls continued to control the puck. Over the next 8 minutes, Westfield won 10 of the 12 faceoffs.
After 10:06 of the second period passed, Westfield scored for a second time. They took a 2-0 lead over Framingham.
Over the next 2 minutes, one player from each team received a minor penalty and spent 2 minutes in the penalty box. Each team had four players plus a goalie on the ice.
After 12:48 of the second period passed, Framingham’s forward, Eli Slagter, scored Framingham’s first goal of the night. Slagter was assisted by teammates Dixon and defender Jake Conrad.
Westfield led 2-1 over Framingham.
Within 3 minutes of scoring, Framingham found the net again. This goal was waived off by the referees.
Framingham continued to push the pace and was able to score again - this time, the goal counted. The Rams’ forward, Matt Irwin, was assisted by Larkin for the game’s tying goal.
Irwin said, “I couldn't have been more excited.
“Morale was kind of low and then being able to pot one there to tie up the game - it felt amazing. It was a highlight of my year,” he added.
The remainder of the second period slowed down and neither team scored. The score remained tied 2-2 at the end of the second period.
The third period resulted in no goals from either side.
Framingham and Westfield traded shots, but their defenses held strong.
The Owls were not able to score on their power play and the Rams were not able to score on both of their power plays in the third period.
The score remained 2-2 at the end of the third period.
The 5-minute overtime contained action, but neither team scored.
Westfield’s early penalty gave Framingham another power play. Framingham’s forward, Johnny Baker, committed a penalty and evened the ice for Westfield.
Despite finishing the match with a power play, Westfield did not score and the game ended with a 2-2 tie.
Framingham’s Head Coach, Mike Bailey, referred to the tie as “huge.” He said, “The guys have been playing really well.
“It was an honor to be behind the bench today,” Bailey added.
He said Framingham hockey has improved since last season. “We've already passed our goal output from last year.
“Our goals against are down as well,” he added.
As of presstime, the Rams lost to Plymouth State Feb. 16, and now hold a conference record of 3-13-2 and an overall record of 5-17-2.
The hockey season is nearing its end. Bailey said, “I would just like to thank the fan support.
“I would like to thank the student body at Framingham State,” he added.
Framingham will travel to Stonehill College for their final regular season matchup Feb. 18.