The colder temperatures have brought ice hockey back to Montclair State University. The Red Hawks had a double-header home opener this past weekend on Friday October 9 and Saturday October 10.
Friday October 9: Marist University
The double-header home opener began with game 1 against Marist University.
The first period was back-and-forth. Both teams achieved 10 shots on goal but, the Red Hawks would strike first. Ray Goetz would score the first goal of the game. At the end of the first period, Montclair State led Marist 1-0. In the second period, the Red Foxes had more shots and they tied the game. At the end of the second period, both the Red Hawks and the Red Foxes would be tied at one goal each.
The third period is when both teams showed their dominance. Montclair State’s David Sekiewicz would set up his teammate Colden Poreda for the goal. Marist would answer back and both teams would be tied with two goals halfway into the period. The Red Hawks did not like the taste of the tie so Greg Oliveri would score the third goal for the RedHawks. Marist came from behind and scored with two minutes remaining in the period. That would be the last goal for the Red Foxes. Montclair State would not stop there as Goetz would score the final goal of the game. The Red Hawks beat the Red Foxes 4-2.
Saturday October 10: Rider University
In the second game, the Red Hawks would be hosting the Rider University Broncos.
The first period would be a lot of back-and-forth. The Broncos answered with the first goal of the period. Montclair State would soon follow with a goal scored by Christopher Walusz who was assisted by teammate Braden Ryan. The Broncos did not want to go into the second period tied so they answered with a goal scored seconds before the first period ended. The Broncos led the Red Hawks 2-1 at the end of the first period.
In the second period, the RedHawks were not holding back. Minutes into the second period, Jack Martinez would score for Montclair State. Halfway through the second period, Montclair State scored again; this time it would be Anthony Vella for the short-handed goal. Rider did not want to be behind by one goal so they would answer with eight minutes remaining in the period. Montclair State snagged the tie from the Broncos by leading with another goal scored by Walusz. At the end of the second period, Montclair State would lead 4-3 over the Broncos.
In the third period, the Broncos turned up the heat but, it would not be enough to outplay the Red Hawks. Antonio Crispino would score; following him would be his teammate Marcos Trasbach who scored a power-play goal. Montclair State won against Rider University 6-3.
Moving Forward
Montclair State will travel up to Fairfield University on October 16. They will be back at home that Saturday October 17 to host Roger Williams University at 8:30 p.m. The Red Hawks are soaring through the first half of the season so far.
