During the Holiday time, it is not uncommon to see little ones run off to mailboxes with their letters in hopes that Santa will read it and grant their every wish.
Now, what would a letter look like if all the MASCAC teams dropped of their “wish list” to the jolly big-man up at the North Pole?
Well let’s take a look and see what each team’s wish list would be.
Plymouth State Panthers (5-1-0, 1st)
Our wish would be for … a healthy rest of the season.
Right now, the Panthers are on cruise control in the MASCAC after winning six straight since their overtime loss to Westfield State. With wins already over the big names like Salem Sate and Mass.-Dartmouth, Plymouth State needs to make sure that everyone continues to stay healthy.
Coach Craig Russell cannot afford to lose anyone right now, since his team is playing some of its best hockey to date.
The Panthers have four skaters in double-digits points, two goalies that have a combined 1.52 goals-against average, and the top power play in the MASCAC.
Please Santa, no hiccups now.
Mass.-Dartmouth Corsairs (4-1-1, T-2nd)
Our wish would be for … more offense.
Even though the Corsairs are always a force in the MASCAC, this season has seen too may close games for coach John Rolli and his club.
Mass.-Dartmouth has the third-worst offense in the league, averaging 2.8 goals per game. That is about two goals less than the leading Vikings, as they average over four goals per game, yet Mass.-Dartmouth still finds ways to win.
The Corsairs’ two leading scorers are tied for ninth in the MASCAC in points, but yet they still find ways to win games.
If this team can get more goal scoring, watch out.
Please Santa, can we get some more pucks to go into the back of net?
Salem State Vikings (4-1-1, T-2nd)
Our wish would be for … repeated success.
Since coming into the MASCAC, the Vikings have been a staple in the championship game each season. They won the title in 2010, but have lost twice in consecutive trips since then.
Even though their last two title games fell short, in overtime, one cannot overlook the success the Vikings and coach Bill O’Neill have had.
Outside the championship run in 2010, Salem Sate has won 15 or more games since joining the MASCAC, and has been one of the more successful teams in the conference.
Please Santa; we need more hardware for our trophy case!
Fitchburg State Flacons (3-3-0, T-3rd)
Our wish would be for … a big win this season.
The Falcons are a team that packs a heavy punch up front, as they currently have the league’s top scorer in Joe Caveney (3-7-10) and are third in team offense, averaging 3.50 goals per game.
In net, they have been getting quality starts from netminder Randy Wolcott; however, Fitchburg has yet to win that “big” game this season.
Looking up at the three teams above them, the Falcons played each program once this season, but have lost all three, getting outscored 10-3.
With what the Falcons have on the ice this season, they can shock a lot of people as we get deeper into the MASCAC year. However, they need to get out of the big three’s shadow.
Please Santa; we need that big victory.
Westfield State Owls (3-3-0, T-3rd)
Our wish would be for … more consistency.
It was good while it lasted for coach Bob Miele and his Owls. His club was off to one of its best starts, winning its first six games of the season. However, it has been a tailspin since then.
Westfield State, which was once on top of the MASCAC, has lost five in a row, and has not scored more then two goals in those contests.
For a team that started off so strong, this season may get away from them soon.
Please Santa; can we get another win?
Worcester State Lancers (1-5-0, 6th)
Our wish would be for … better play in all three zones.
By no means is this a negative comment on how the Lancers have been playing; it just seems like they are just a couple of players/recruits away from becoming a strong contender in the MASCAC.
Worcester State has been on the wrong side of some close games this season, and has even outplayed some opponents. However, if they can add some dynamic players to all three zones, this program will get its much-needed makeover.
It looks like they may have started that improvement after the way their freshmen stepped up.
Please Santa; can we get some added help?
Framingham State Rams (0-6-0, 7th)
Our wish would be for … our first conference win.
