Photo courtesy of Ramapo Ice Hockey Club
The Ramapo Roadrunners posted an 8-5 win over the Yale Bulldogs in a gritty and physical matchup. Ramapo freshman Dan Demarco and Kyle DeBel both net hat tricks, scoring early in the game. Five of the 13 goals were scored in the first period alone, testing Ramapo goalie Keith Gay’s skills and allowing him to make some key saves.
General Manager Arthur Chill was happy with the win; “Everyone came out fired up. Yale played sloppy early on and we gave them the chances; they weren’t earning them.”
The second period was slightly tighter than the first period, with only three goals scored total. The physical play continued and the penalties piled up but both defenses stepped up their game. After two periods they were headed to the third tied up at four apiece.
The third period is when the Roadrunners sealed the deal as they outscored the Bulldogs 5-1. DeBel scored two breakaway goals to get the period going, earning him the hat trick. DeBel was impressed with the high skill level from the younger members of the team.
“The freshmen have been huge for us all season and really stepped up in big spots tonight,” DeBel said.
Freshmen Keith Doherty and Robert Spetz both had big smiles after they each recorded a goal which added to the three-point win.
Other hat trick earner, Demarco, netted two goals in the third period. Both him and DeBel have posted impressive statistics as freshmen, and contributed to the majority of Ramapo’s goals. Junior defenseman Pat Callinan, who got the assist on Demarco’s last goal, was impressed with both of his young teammates’ scoring abilities as well.
“It’s a good team win. No one stopped moving and everyone battled it out for all three periods,” said Callinan.
Ramapo lost both hockey games last year to Yale, making this past Sunday’s game the first time any Ramapo sports team has been able to beat a Yale team. Demarco was excited to be the team to do it, and is looking forward to the playoffs.
“Ever since the beginning of the season, we have always had our sights set on the playoffs, and it’s big for our confidence to dig out wins in the the third,” Demarco said.
Senior captain Anthony Carudo, who was unable to play due to a lower body injury, wished he could be out there playing but was glad the team was able to pull through with the win.
“I’m proud of the boys for playing from our net out all game long … it was a great team effort overall,” Carudo said.
Carudo is hoping for a speedy recovery with the playoffs right around the corner.
The Roadrunners have two more away games before they battle it out in the playoffs. It looks to be an exciting run for a team that has only sustained one loss all season. Their combined talent and drive are definitely to be rivaled with.
ntiso@ramapo.edu
