SALEM, Mass. – Despite a game-opening goal from sophomore defenseman Lonnie Taylor (Raymond, Maine), the Saint Anselm men's hockey team gave up four unanswered goals to drop its post-Thanksgiving matchup against Salem State Sunday afternoon, 4-1.

Taylor's first career tally came just three minutes into the game, netting the puck in traffic right in front of the net off assists from freshman defenseman Ryan Peterson (Brockton, Mass.) and senior forward Johnny Daniels (Andover, Mass.).

Despite the Hawks' early 1-0 lead, Salem State (4-2 overall) would lock down defensively and respond with a goal in each of the first and second periods and add a pair in the third to seal the non-conference home victory. Saint Anselm (2-4-1 overall) actually outshot the Vikings 29-23 for the game, including a 14-6 advantage in the third period alone.

Down 2-1 in the second period, Hawk sophomore forward CJ Blaszka (Brookfield, Conn.) stole the puck in the neutral zone and had a chance to tie the game, but Viking goaltender Jason Pucciarelli poked away the threat at the perfect moment to preserve the 1-goal lead. Pucciarelli would record a game-high 28 saves on the day.

Saint Anselm Freshman goaltender Brenden Cain (Coppell, Texas) took the loss in his first appearance between the pipes, picking up 19 saves.

The Hawks will continue a busy week Wednesday, stepping into Northeast-10 play to take on Assumption in Worcester, Mass., in a 7:35 p.m. start. The Hawks then return to Sullivan Arena Friday evening to close out the week, hosting New England College at 7 p.m.

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