FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Wentworth ice hockey team used five different goal scorers to defeat Franklin Pierce University, 5-2 in first round action of the 2011-12 IC Federal Credit Union Shootout this evening. With the victory, Wentworth (1-1) advances to tomorrow's championship round to face the winner of Southern New Hampshire University and host, Fitchburg State University at 4 p.m. Franklin Pierce (0-3) will battle the loser of the second game at 1 p.m.

Despite falling behind, 1-0 from a Dino Federico (Canton, Mass.) score midway through the first period, Wentworth rallied for back-to-back markers to collect a 2-1 lead at the first intermission. Senior captain Skylur Jameson (Long Beach, Calif.) connected for the first Leopard goal with helpers from junior Anthony Principato (Holmdel, N.J.) and freshman Kevin Crowe (Galloway, N.J.) before freshman Mike Domsodi (Kirkland, Que.) found the back of the net with a helper from junior Shaun Jameson (Long Beach, Calif.) at the 18:55 mark.

Franklin Pierce opened the second period strong again, knotting the score a 2-2 with a goal from Andrew Dadds (Mount Ephraim, N.J.), but Wentworth responded three consecutive scores to grab a 5-2 advantage at the end of the frame. Junior Reed Rushing (Seattle, Wash.) ignited the Leopard surge with a score 10:06 into the period, while Crowe and senior Forrest Ellis (Pembroke, N.H.) followed with back-to-back tallies over a 1:33 span later in the stanza.

A scoreless third period brought the game to a close with Wentworth advancing to tomorrow's championship match between the winner of Southern New Hampshire University and Fitchburg State. Freshman goalie Alex Peck (Kirkland, Que.) earned the victory for the Leopards, posting 28 saves in his collegiate debut, while senior Ben Siok (Holden, Mass.) turned in 25 saves through roughly 36 minutes of work for the Ravens.

(Release Courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information)