Salem Sasquatch Triumph Over Boston Gold Kings in Thrilling Shootout Victory

Salem Sasquatch Triumph Over Boston Gold Kings in Thrilling Shootout Victory

Salem, NH – February 2, 2025 – In a game full of momentum swings, back-and-forth goals, and dramatic comebacks, the Salem Sasquatch managed to edge out the Boston Gold Kings in a thrilling shootout, claiming a 6-5 victory. The contest, which saw both teams exchanging goals throughout regulation and extra time, ultimately came down to the final round of the shootout, where Salem emerged victorious, 6-5.

The game started off slow, with both teams feeling each other out. At 3:12 of the first period, Boston’s #8 Shawn Savela got the Gold Kings on the board with a goal assisted by Drew Carney and Nick Pitarys. However, the lead would be short-lived. At 2:24 of the first, Salem’s #4 Justin Arnold answered right back with an equalizer, assisted by #18 Kyle Weeks.

The second period was an offensive showcase. Salem took their first lead of the night at 19:38 with a goal from #18 Kyle Weeks, assisted by #66 Cody Woodward. But Boston wasn’t going to let up. Just 43 seconds later, the Gold Kings’ #71 Michael DeLisio capitalized on an even-strength opportunity, with assists from #12 Spencer Smith and #66 Shamus Doherty, tying things up at 2-2. Boston then took the lead for the first time in the game at 14:30, once again with DeLisio, who scored his second of the night, assisted by #25 Anthony DiCostanzo, making it 3-2. However, Salem wasn’t done yet. At 3:47 of the second, Gaetano DeLonge capitalized on a power play to score for the Sasquatch, assisted by Woodward and Gage Doucette. But Boston responded with a power-play goal of their own at 0:45, as #91 Matt Baldino found the back of the net with help from his brother, Christian Baldino, bringing the Gold Kings back on top at 4-3.

The third period was a wild one. At 19:44, Salem’s DeLonge tied things up at 4-4 with an unassisted goal. Just over five minutes later, at 14:20, Salem took the lead when #9 Andrew Contrada scored, assisted by #26 Tom Missert, putting the Sasquatch ahead 5-4. But Boston continued to battle, and at 9:29, #46 Christopher Maher tied things up again at 5-5 with a power-play goal, assisted by DeLisio.

With the clock winding down and neither team able to break the tie, the game headed to overtime and, ultimately, a shootout.

Shootout Drama

In the shootout, Boston’s Matt Baldino would be the only goal scorer for Boston. For Salem, both Tom Missert and Gaetano DeLonge converted their shootout attempts, while Boston’s attempts came up short, sealing a 2-1 win in the shootout for the Sasquatch.

Goalie Performances

Both goalies were tested throughout the game, with Boston’s #92 Kyle Mahan facing 32 shots, making 27 saves, and allowing 5 goals for a .844 save percentage. On the other side, Salem’s #0 Matthew Gilliland stopped 23 of 28 shots, allowing 5 goals and finishing with a .821 save percentage.

3 Stars of the Game

1. Gaetano DeLonge – Salem – 2 goals and shootout goal

2. Mike DeLisio – Boston – 2 goals, 1 assist

3. Kyle Weeks – Salem – 1 goal, 1 assist

Looking Ahead

Both teams will be on the ice again on 2/8. The Gold Kings will head home to take on the Holyoke Papermen in their Puck Cancer Night game, where they will wear their special Pink Breast Cancer uniforms. Salem will travel to Attleboro to take on the Norfolk Mallards.