Photo courtesy of Ramapo Ice Hockey
In their second year back from a 31-year hiatus, the Ramapo men’s club ice hockey team started off the 2016-17 campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Muhlenberg.
Despite being up 3-0 at one point, the Roadrunners are 1-0 with a new and improved team.
General manager Art Chill has a lot of expectations for the Roadrunners this year.
“Most first-year programs, it’s a harsh era,” said Chill. However, that was not the case with Ramapo, as they were 9-12 last season, which Chill said was “respectable.”
Freshman Keith Doherty opened up the scoreboard on Sunday’s match, followed by fellow freshman Dan Doherty to increase the early lead to 2-0.
The Roadrunners had 16 shots on goal in the first period, while Muhlenberg was stuck with just six, all blocked by goalie Keith Gay.
DJ Campbell gave the Roadrunners their third goal of the game at the 13:20 mark of the second period. However, Muhlenberg would go on to score three unanswered goals before the conclusion of the third period.
“I think the main thing is that one of the strengths of this team is the coaching staff,” said Chill, in regards to the blown lead. “When these things happen, it was a sense of stability that the staff brought to the players. We have four freshmen who are the keys to this program. They kept cool. We’re in great shape and kept hammering it in.”
However, DeMarco notched the game-winning goal in the third period, giving the Roadrunners the 4-3 victory.
Sophomore defenseman Keith Henning was excited to get in the win column for the first game of the season.
“Sunday’s win felt great. It’s always good to start off the season with a ‘W,’” said Henning.
Despite being 1-0, however, there are 24 games left to be played in the regular season.
“Needless to say, there are aspects of our game that have to be improved,” said Henning.
Chill said he will worry about each game as it comes.
“I hate to use the cliché, but we gotta take it one game at a time,” said Chill. “We are a new team this year. It’s kind of a different team.”
A long season is upon them, but Henning has very high expectations for his squad.
“We are looking toward a championship but have to be willing to put in the work for that title,” said the defenseman. “I see this team at the end of the year having one of the best records in the league and winning the MCHC title.”
rmorik@ramapo.edu
