The Rye Hockey team kicked off the 2026 season with a clutch overtime victory on Friday, December 5, as they defeated Clarence 4-3. The Garnets welcomed the Red Devils from Section 6 to Playland and, despite letting 2-1 and 3-2 third period leads slip away, earned the two points.
Both teams scored two powerplay goals throughout the first 55 minutes of regulation time, with Clarence striking first but Rye scoring the next two. Will Weinman tied the game at 1 in the second period on the man advantage, followed by Finn Draddy in the third. Jamie Morris scored with 1:02 to play to put Rye in front 3-2 after a great forecheck and set-up, but the Red Devils tied the score with just five seconds to play. That set the stage for 5 minutes of overtime.
With 2:14 remaining, Trevor Dolan buried a rebound after Will Niejadlik intercepted a pass and fired a shot on net. The goal sent Playland into a mini-frenzy and secured a 1-0 record for the Garnets in clutch fashion.
Fernando Mosquera earned the win with 25 saves. Rye outshot the Red Devils 38-28 as they peppered the goal all night. They will look for a second win in a row on Wednesday, December 10, against Rivertown, who is fresh off blowing a 3-0 lead to Mamaroneck Friday night.
