Another weekend, another split decision for the Ramapo ice hockey team. This time, the Roadrunners traveled to Kutztown University where they avenged their opening night loss against the Golden Bears with a 6-2 victory on Friday night. On Saturday, however, the Roadrunners fell at home to Fairfield University’s Division I team, 6-4.
Beginning with their win at Kutztown, the Roadrunners were powered by three-point performances by seniors Anthony Fizer and Rory Maurer. Fizer scored twice in the first 10 minutes of action, sandwiching a goal by senior Alex Cohen, giving Ramapo an early three goal lead to play with. The Golden Bears got one back late in the first period to cut the lead to two after a goal by forward Joshua Bower, assisted by Paul Perricone.
In goal for the Roadrunners was starter Paul Fiorello, who stopped 28 of 30 shots from the Golden Bears.
In the second period, the Roadrunners added another two goals to bring their lead to 5-1. The first was scored by third line center Robert Wogisch, assisted by Ty Watson and Jacob Hepburn. With two minutes remaining in the period, Maurer sent a goal through the net off assists from Fizer and Wogisch.
The third period saw the two teams each add a goal, with senior Thomas Moskal scoring early in the final frame off assists from Maurer and defenseman Michael Piccinich. For Kutztown, it was forward Chase Canestra scoring unassisted on a power play opportunity.
In goal for the Roadrunners was starter Paul Fiorello, who stopped 28 of 30 shots from the Golden Bears. For Kutztown, backup goalie Jai Jani recorded 22 saves on 28 shot attempts. In the third period, the Roadrunners slowed their attack, only attempting three shots on goal.
As for Saturday night, Ramapo did not fare as well against a much tougher opponent. As part of their Empire Conference title last season, the Roadrunners will now face more Division I opponents despite being a Division II team, and Fairfield is a part of that transition.
Ramapo found themselves in a hole early after power play goals by Fairfield’s Brendan Cullen and Connor Momrow gave the Stags a 2-0 lead halfway through the first period. The Roadrunners would get one back before the period ended, however, as Fizer scored on a power play opportunity off assists from Moskal and Maurer.
In the second period, the Stags would begin to put the game away, scoring three consecutive goals to open the frame. The goals were scored by Cullen, Aidan Blake and Ned Malolepszy. With one minute remaining in the period, Moskal scored the second goal of the game for the Roadrunners off an assist from Fizer.
In the final period, Ramapo would shrink Fairfield’s lead to as little as one after goals by Fizer and Moskal to open the frame. It wouldn’t be enough, however, Cullen completed the hat trick with his third goal of the night on a power play, assisted by Malolepszy and Brendan Burke.
In goal, Fiorello recorded 35 saves on 41 shot attempts for the Roadrunners while for the Stags, Daniel Schroeder saved 26 of 30 shots on goal.
Ramapo is now 1-3 against Division I opponents this season, with their only win coming against Fordham University. Overall, the Roadrunners now sit with a 5-3-1 record, which places them second in the Empire Division, only trailing longtime rival Farmingdale State College.
This weekend, Ramapo will participate in their annual Veteran’s Day game against Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Saturday night, and then face Farmingdale State on Sunday night. Both games will take place at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne.
wjackso2@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Tessa Pofahl
