Sasquatch Gets Some Revenge: Salem Tops Boston in Shootout Thriller

November 8, 2025- The Icenter Salem, NH

The Salem Sasquatch finally got their revenge. In a heated rematch of last season’s PPSHL Championship, Salem edged out the defending champion Boston Gold Kings 5–4 in a dramatic overtime shootout on Saturday night at the Icenter in Salem, NH.

After falling to Boston in the title game last spring and being winless to start the season the Sasquatch came into this one with something to prove — and they did exactly that, battling back from a 4–1 deficit to hand the Gold Kings their first loss of the season.

The first period was an offensive showcase, with seven goals scored between the two teams. Salem opened the scoring on the power play at 4:06 when Brendan Young buried a feed from Max Campbell and John Hamilton to ignite the home crowd.

Boston wasted no time responding — and then some. The Gold Kings rattled off four straight goals in a furious four-minute stretch. Joey O’Leary, Matt Baldino, Brian Cebula, and Shawn Savela each scored, turning a 1–0 deficit into a commanding 4–1 lead by the nine-minute mark.

But just when it looked like the champs were in control, Salem’s special teams went to work. John Hamilton converted on the power play at 17:46 off feeds from Brett Silva and Cody Woodward, and just 41 seconds later, Brendan Young struck again — another power-play tally that made it 4–3 heading into the intermission.

The second period turned into a grind. Both sides traded penalties, with Boston piling up infractions — including interference and roughing calls — but neither team managed to score.

Boston’s Mike Cowell stood tall in net, turning aside all seven shots he faced, while Keegan McLaughlin continued to keep Salem within one. The tension built as each whistle added to the animosity between these two familiar foes.

The third period saw the Sasquatch complete their comeback. At 11:47, Gage Doucette cashed in on yet another Salem power play, assisted by Brendan Young and Cody Woodward, tying the game at 4–4 and sending the Icenter into a frenzy.

Boston’s frustration began to show, with Cam Cordio earning a misconduct and additional penalties as the Gold Kings’ discipline slipped. Salem’s composure — and lethal power play — proved to be the difference.

Shootout Seals the Statement Win

After a scoreless overtime, the game went to a shootout — a fitting end for such a back-and-forth battle.

Boston’s Mike DeLisio scored their lone shootout goal, but Salem answered with markers from Brendan Young and Gage Doucette, giving the Sasquatch the 5–4 victory and sweet revenge over the team that denied them last year’s championship.

Goaltender Keegan McLaughlin was the unsung hero, stopping 43 of 47 shots and slamming the door in overtime and the shootout to secure the win.

Stat Breakdown

• Shots on Goal: Boston 47 | Salem 44
• Power Plays: Boston 0/1 | Salem 4/8
• Penalty Minutes: Boston 30 | Salem 6

Goaltenders

• Salem: Keegan McLaughlin– 43 saves on 47 shots, (Win)
• Boston: Mike Cowell– 40 saves on 44 shots (Loss)

Coming up

• 11/15 Boston at Holyoke at 7:50pm @ Olympia Ice Center
• 11/22 Hudson Valley at Salem at 7:50pm @ The Salem Icenter

Stars of the Game

1st Star: Brendan Young (Salem) – 2 goals, 1 assist

2nd Star: Gage Doucette (Salem) – 1 goal and the shootout winner

3rd Star: Cody Woodward (Salem) – 3 assists