Twardosky’s Late Power-Play Strike Lifts Salem Past Holyoke in 6–5 Thriller

January 24, 2026 — Olympia Ice Center, West Springfield MA.

In a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle that featured five lead changes and relentless pressure at both ends of the ice, the Salem Sasquatch came through when it mattered most, edging the Holyoke Papermen 6–5 on Saturday night at Olympia Ice Center.

With the game tied late in the third period, Tucker Twardosky delivered the decisive blow on the power play with just 43 seconds remaining, capping a four-point performance and sealing a hard-fought Salem victory. The win was a testament to the Sasquatch’s persistence, as they answered every Holyoke surge and leaned on timely special-teams execution down the stretch.

The night started with immediate energy, as Salem needed less than two minutes to open the scoring. At 1:37, Tucker Twardosky finished a crisp even-strength sequence, burying a feed from John Hamilton and Jared Henderson to give the Sasquatch an early 1–0 lead.

Holyoke responded quickly. At 4:14, JD Anderson tied the game with a hard finish off passes from Doug Sattler and Max Breon. Just over a minute later, the Papermen took their first lead when Noah Hemenway found open ice and snapped home a shot at 5:41, pushing Holyoke ahead 2–1.

Salem steadied itself midway through the frame. At 10:40, Mark Blaney evened the score at 2–2, converting a strong forecheck into a goal with assists from Twardosky and Henderson.

Holyoke struck first in the second period, capitalizing on the power play. At 2:23, Sean Egan buried a chance from the slot off a setup by Noah Hemenway, giving the Papermen a 3–2 advantage.

Salem answered again. At 6:57, Nick Newman finished an even-strength rush after sustained pressure, tying the game at 3–3 with helpers from Henderson and Twardosky. The Sasquatch reclaimed the lead at 15:49 when Luke Plumley converted on the power play, cashing in on a clean setup from Mark Blaney and Jared Henderson to make it 4–3.

Once more, Holyoke refused to fade. Just 46 seconds later, Christian DiPietrantonio answered with an even-strength goal, assisted by Noah Hemenway and Zack Lillie, sending the game into the third period deadlocked.

It was Holyoke who struck first in the 3rd. At 8:35, Max Breon finished a strong shift with an even-strength tally, giving the Papermen a 5–4 lead.

Salem pushed back, generating sustained zone time and outshooting Holyoke as the period wore on. The pressure paid off at 13:07, when James Willett tied the game at 5–5, finishing a play created by Brad Perry and John Hamilton.

With time winding down, Holyoke penalties proved costly. At 19:17, on a late power play, Tucker Twardosky struck again — this time delivering the game-winner. Set up by John Hamilton and Mark Blaney, Twardosky shot the puck past the goaltender to give Salem a dramatic 6–5 lead.

Postgame Breakdown

Shots on Goal

• Holyoke- 40
• Salem- 52

Power Plays

• Holyoke- 1-for-5
• Salem- 2-for-6

Penalty Minutes

• Holyoke- 14
• Salem- 12

Goaltenders

• Salem: Ryan Creenan– 35 saves on 40 shots (Win)
• Holyoke: Zach Valvo– 46 saves on 52 shots (Loss)

Coming up

• 1/31 Boston at Salem at 7:30pm @ The Salem Icenter
• 2/7 Holyoke at Norfolk at 6:00pm @ New England Sport Villiage

Three Stars of the Game

1. Tucker Twardosky (Salem) – 2 goals, 2 assists
2. Jared Henderson (Salem) – 4 assists
3. Noah Hemenway (Holyoke) – 1 goal, 2 assists