Wentworth Institute of Technology Athletics

Hockey's Comeback Bid Falls Just Short against Curry

Leopards score a pair of extra attacker goals to pull within a goal, ultimately falling, 4-2, to the 11th-ranked Colonels; Xavier Vaillancourt records two assists

Photo by Gabby Walazek '28
Photo by Gabby Walazek '28
Box Score
January 30, 2026

EVERETT, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology ice hockey team scored a pair of extra attacker goals within 77 seconds of each other to pull within a goal, however, Curry held on for a 4-2 win Friday night in Conference of New England play.

With the win the 11th-ranked Colonels improve to 14-5-0 overall and 11-3 in CNE play while the Leopards stand at 4-13-1 (3-10).

HOW IT HAPPENED:

  • Curry nearly took an early lead when a shot from Karim Gayfullin hit the post early in the first period. The Colonels had a 12-6 shot advantage in the opening frame with Jack McGovern making a dozen saves.
  • Just like the first period the second period was also scoreless with the Colonels holding a 14-6 shot advantage. Curry had a pair of power plays in the frame, while the Leopards had one.
  • The Colonels broke the ice at the 3:31 mark of the third period. Victor Daignault sent an off-balance pass to Nicholas Lariviere, who found Killian Rowlee in front. Curry upped its lead to 2-0 at the 13:39 mark on a goal from Mason Kesselring, set up by Tauri Haddon-Harris and Matt Connor. Less than three minutes later, Haddon-Harris made it 3-0.
  • McGovern was pulled for an extra attacker with just under five minutes left in the third period. While Curry was able to clear the zone a handful of times, the Black & Gold carried play and eventually got on the board at the 17:43 mark. Danny Phelan sent a pass down low to Xavier Vaillancourt, who tipped the puck to Desmond Johnson, making it 3-1.
  • After 20 seconds of five-on-five, McGovern came off for an extra attacker. The Colonels nearly iced the game, however, Ryan Prewitt's long shot hit the post. With 59.8 seconds left, the Black & Gold came within one as Johnson and Vaillancourt set up Gavin Klaassen for his first of the season.
  • With 17 seconds left and the net once again empty, Dan Probe won a faceoff, keeping the puck in the offensive zone. Daigneault had a pair of blocked shots, including one by Phelan where the rebound came to Jesse Galassi who sealed the win with an empty-net tally.
  • McGovern made 36 saves on the night.

ALL-TIME SERIES:

  • Tonight was the 59th all-time meeting between the two teams.

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