Photo courtesy of Thomas Bounocore
The Ramapo College Ice Hockey team secured a victory against Robert Morris University, 8-2, on Sunday afternoon to boost their record to 6-1.
As a competitive club on campus, the team is quickly advancing toward their ultimate goal of reaching the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division III National Championship in Dallas.
The Roadrunners got on the board early in the first period with freshman Chris Dressler scoring his first goal of the game with 14:04 left on the clock. The Colonials then tied it up at 9:46, but only for a few minutes, when forward Derek Sabato recorded a power play goal for RCNJ at 6:34 to close out the first period.
The second period persisted with a goal from the Colonials, leaving the score a 2-2 tie, heading into the third and final period. To begin a streak of six consecutive goals in the third period, freshman Thomas Stapleton contributed what would end up being the winning goal at 18:10, bringing the score to 3-2.
Within ten minutes, Ramapo collected another five goals, dominating the ice and securing the victory 8-2. Scorers in the third period included team captain Kyle DeBel, who added two goals, followed by Robert Spetz, Luke Campomenosi and Chris Dressler who each added one.
Goalkeeper Matthew Ajello played a full 60-minute game and tallied 20 saves.
The Roadrunners led in shots on goal 54-32. Unfortunately, they also led in penalties, receiving six altogether. The Colonials received four penalties, handing Ramapo four power plays to take advantage of.
The Roadrunners scored during two of the four power plays they recorded. Sunday’s game is yet another impressive win for the Ramapo College ice hockey team.
Arthur Chill, Director of Hockey Operations commented after the game, “This year’s team possess two equally lethal scoring lines.”
Combined, the two lines have recorded a total of 41 goals in just seven games. The team is currently 6-1 outscoring opponents 54 (7.71) to 19 (2.71).
The program is in its fourth season since its return after a 31-year hiatus. One of the most important aspects of this year’s team is how it’s composed of eight freshman, seven sophomores, three juniors and only one senior.
Second year Head Coach Greg Jensen has been doing a lot of recruiting and has landed many top junior players.
Chill commented on this strategy: “The junior ranks are where the elite players are and will be the nucleus of our program not only now, but in the future.”
This year’s team really exemplifies what great hockey is supposed to be, with unstoppable lines, impressive teamwork and aggressive scorers. Their games are high-scoring, fast paced and intense while players simultaneously show their strength and skill on the ice.
The entire ice hockey staff encourages more of the student body to engage with the program and support their fellow Roadrunners.
Chill mentioned, “We’re hoping that more of the student body comes out to see an exciting, fast-paced brand of hockey. The team plays in the beautiful Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, NJ, just 11 miles from campus.”
The Roadrunners return to the ice again on Friday, traveling to Springfield College where they will hopefully continue their victory streak.
ksutphin@ramapo.edu
