GORHAM, Maine -- Sophomore goalie Ryan Sutcliffe (Grand Forks, N.D.) stopped 32 shots, including 18 in the final period, to lead the Salem State University Vikings to a 2-1, non-conference victory over the University of Southern Maine Huskies Sunday night at the USM ice Arena.

            The victory snapped a three-game losing skid for the Vikings, and improved their overall record to 6-5-1.  The Vikings also snapped a seven-game losing streak against the Huskies with their first win since November 23, 2004.  The Huskies had their five-game unbeaten string (3-0-2) stopped to slide to 4-5-2 on the season.

            Sutcliffe was at his best in the final period protecting a 2-0 lead.  The Huskies only beat the second-year netminder once getting a power-play goal from freshman Ben Pearl (Essex, Vt.) seven minutes into the third period.  Despite facing six USM power plays in the final 20 minutes, including a full two-minute, 5-on-3 situation that began moments after Pearl's goal, Sutcliffe and the Viking defense held firm.  Viking skaters blocked 23 shots during the course of the game.

            After a scoreless first period, the Vikings built a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals in the opening eight minutes of the second period.  Senior Ian Flanagan (New Hampton, N.H.) converted a USM turnover into his third goal of the season beating USM sophomore goaltender Braely Torris (Eckville, Alberta) from 15 feet out in the opening minute.

            Junior Dan Smolinsky (Plymouth, Mass.) scored what proved to be the game-winning goal at 7:50 when he was sent in alone by sophomore Mark Macdonald (Norwell, Mass.).  Smolinsky deked Torris and slid the puck under him for his first goal of the season.

            Pearl's goal came at 7:08 of the third period when he slip a right-wing shot behind Sutcliffe and off the far side post for his third goal.  Junior Jon Grandinetti (Ottawa, Ontario) and senior Dan Rautenberg (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) picked up the assists.

            Southern Maine piled up a 33-14 advantage in shots on goal, primarily on the strength of a 19-3 edge in the final period.  Torris ended his night with 12 saves.  Salem State's penalty killers did yeomen work killing 11 of 12 shorthanded situations.

            The Huskies return to action on Tuesday night (7:00 p.m.) hosting in-state rival Colby College for a non-conference game.  The Vikings will travel to Fitchburg State University on Saturday (1:00 p.m.) for a MASCAC league game.

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