That winning feeling was back for the Rivier men's hockey team Wednesday night at Conway Arena. (Courtesy photo by Kyle Prudhomme/Rivier Athletics)

NASHUA – The Rivier men’s ice hockey team earned its first win against a Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) foe, edging Salem St. 3-2 on Wednesday night at Conway Arena.

With the result, the Raiders improved to 1-6 (1-1 MASCAC), while the Vikings dropped to 2-3-1 (0-2-1 MASCAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

First-year Mason Rudrud opened the scoring at 1:40 into the first period, tucking it into the top shelf off a mis-clear.

At the 12:09 mark, first-year Aaron Sawicki extended the Raiders’ lead, connecting with classmate Nick Zanin.

Salem St. scored at the 9:24 mark of the second period to cut the deficit in half, 2-1.

The Vikings leveled the score 1:09 into the final frame.

Sawicki responded at the 3:26 mark, capitalizing on the power play with help from first-year Brayden Deschamps to restore the Raiders’ lead, 3-2.

The last 16 minutes featured a flurry of chances as the Vikings outshot the Raiders 16-15, but both goaltenders turned away everything they faced.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

The Vikings outshot the Raiders 34-24…Salem St. controlled faceoffs 39-32…Sophomore Josh Kirton recorded 32 saves in his first collegiate win in net.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to Conway Arena on Saturday for a conference matchup with Anna Maria. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.