Hockey team welcomes back 2022 Division MVP in loss

Ending last semester with a 4-10 record, Ramapo’s ice hockey team returned to action on Sunday against the University of Delaware looking for their first win of the new year. In addition to the game, Ramapo welcomed the return of last season’s Empire Division MVP Christopher Dressler, who did not play through the Roadrunner’s first 15 games this season. Despite the return of Dressler, Ramapo fell to Delaware in overtime, with a final score of 3-2.

In the first period, both goaltenders — Denis McGarry for Ramapo and Joseph Cristiano for Delaware — kept their opponents scoreless, with the Roadrunners outshooting the Blue Hens 14-7. Early in the second period, Brandon LaSpina opened the scoring in the game with a power play goal, giving Delaware a one-goal lead. LaSpina’s goal was his second of the season and was assisted by Luke Rich. 

“It feels great to get back around this group of Ramapo guys and our coaching staff,” said Dressler. “Obviously, there’s gonna be a few kinks needing to be worked out after a semester off, but jumping right into gameplay helps significantly.”

Midway through the third period and trailing by a goal, Rich was called for a holding penalty that gave Ramapo a one-man advantage. Senior captain Eddie Dahdah capitalized on the power play, scoring his Empire Division leading 20th goal of the season. Dressler tallied an assist on the goal, his first point since returning to action. 

With the game tied at one goal a piece, Delaware’s Daniel Farricielli Jr. gave the Blue Hens the lead with under seven minutes to play, off an assist from Lain Singer. Just 20 seconds later, senior Trent Shanley responded with his 18th goal of the season — and Empire Division-leading 39th point — off assists from Dahdah and Shane Lovell. The score remained tied at two as the clock hit zero in regulation, sending the game to overtime.

Alternate captain Rick Kimble – photo submitted by Kira Allyn

Towards the end of the third period, the Roadrunners were given a power play opportunity that lasted into overtime thanks to an interference penalty by LaSpina, but Ramapo could not capitalize on it. Two minutes into the overtime period, Evan Cassady put through the game winning goal for Delaware, off an assist from Michael Sofia. The win moved Delaware to a 16-4-1 record on the season.

McGarry saved 40 of 43 shots he faced for Ramapo, giving him a .930 save percentage on the day and a .897 save percentage on the season. Cristiano saved 49 of 51 shot attempts from the Roadrunners, giving the Delaware goaltender a .960 save percentage on the day.

Despite the loss, Sunday’s game was a step in the right direction for a Roadrunner team that has desperately needed another forward to step up alongside Dahdah and Shanley, and with Dressler, they now have that. 

“It feels great to get back around this group of Ramapo guys and our coaching staff,” said Dressler. “Obviously, there’s gonna be a few kinks needing to be worked out after a semester off, but jumping right into gameplay helps significantly.”

“It feels great to get back around this group of Ramapo guys and our coaching staff. Obviously, there’s gonna be a few kinks needing to be worked out after a semester off, but jumping right into gameplay helps significantly.”

– Christopher Dressler

“I’m definitely looking forward to some big things in the remainder of the season. Six regular season games left, which we will take one at a time, and then we’ll fire on all cylinders for the playoffs and nationals,” he continued.

Ramapo will play two games this upcoming weekend, with the first coming at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne on Saturday, Feb. 4 against Sacred Heart University at 8 p.m. The second comes on the road on Sunday, Feb. 5 at Quinnipiac University in Secaucus at 4 p.m. Both games will be available to be livestreamed on the team’s YouTube channel.

 

wjackso2@ramapo.edu

Featured photo courtesy of Kira Allyn