Weekend Recap: Rivalries Reignited, SHU (FED) Debuts, and Columbia University Extends Winning Streak

by ECHC Communications

The ECHC season is in full swing, and this weekend brought a mix of in-divisional matchups and exhibition games across all three divisions. From key interdivisional victories to first career goals, the action on the ice kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

In-Divisional Games:

Black Division:
Farmingdale State College (DII) kicked off their in-division play on Saturday night with a commanding 7-3 win over Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Silver Division:
In a rematch of the Burning Leaves tournament final, Hofstra University avenged their previous loss with a 6-3 victory over the University of New Haven. Captain Jordan Cox and James Van Eron led the way, each with 3-point performances.

Exhibitions:

In recent seasons, the rivalry between Farmingdale State College (DI) and Binghamton University (DI, UNYCHL) has become one of the most anticipated matchups in AAU College Hockey. Both teams have consistently been among the top contenders, with each regular-season meeting intensifying the competitive spirit. Last season, the teams split their two-game series, adding fuel to the fire heading into the National Championships. In a pivotal moment, Farmingdale eliminated Binghamton in the final pool play game, defeating them 4-1 to advance to the semifinals. This year, the rivalry resumed with a thrilling two-game exhibition series. Binghamton took the first game 5-3 on Friday, fueled by Kyle Jayson’s 2 goals. However, Saturday’s game ended in a dramatic 6-6 tie, with Binghamton's Andrew Usinski scoring a late equalizer. 

The University of Delaware continued their strong start to the season, defeating Kutztown University (DII, DVCHC) 5-3 on Friday, followed by a 4-0 shutout against Fordham University on Sunday. Andrew Gatti was stellar in net, securing the shutout with a 28-save performance.

The Ramapo College of New Jersey Roadrunners started the weekend with a 4-2 exhibition win over Stevens Institute of Technology. Sacred Heart University (FED) made their program debut but fell 12-4 to Farmingdale State College (DII). Columbia University extended their winning streak to five games, edging out Rutgers University 7-6, led by Brandon Avezov’s dominant 4-goal, 3-assist performance. On Sunday, Sacred Heart University (DII) capped off the weekend with a 3-1 win over Kutztown.

On Sunday, Hofstra University narrowly lost 3-2 to Neumann University (DII, DVCHC), while Stony Brook University completed their season sweep of Alvernia University (DIII, DVCHC) with a 5-3 win. 

First Career Goals:
Congratulations to the following players for scoring their first collegiate goals this weekend:

  • Farmingdale State College (DI): Frank Alessi
  • Farmingdale State College (DII): Tyler Wodicka
  • University of New Haven: Cade Simone
  • Sacred Heart University (FED): Benjamin Hepler, Benjamin Bajazath, Timothee Ouellette

Photo Credit: Dave Stufflebeam I @aztekphotos (Instagram)