The Rye Hockey team is already 1-0 to start the 2026 season, and expectations are high after a trip to the State tournament one year ago. The Garnets won their only non-league “preseason” game 4-3 in overtime, and will hope to continue that momentum into a busy league regular season which begins on December 10.
“Although we graduated a very talented senior class that provided exceptional leadership, we have a very strong core that believes in the culture of this program,” Head Coach Pete Thomas told MyRye.com before the season. “Our current seniors are also a talented group that we expect to step into important roles, as well as a very skilled sophomore class that will look to build on the success they had as freshmen.”
Three of those soon-to-be-graduates are Trevor Dolan, Ryan Draddy, and Will Weinman – the three team captains, as voted upon by their teammates. “They all know what it takes to maintain a positive locker room and a strong, cohesive group,” Thomas said of his leadership contingent.
Other key returners who will be expected to contribute offensively include Jamie Morris, Will Niejadlik, and Max Niejadlik. Morris scored in the season opener, while Will recorded the primary assist on Dolan’s game-winning goal.
Thomas also mentioned Finn Draddy, Colin Nigro, Kai Brittain, Luke Davies, Will Molin and Fernando Mosquera as players who acquired championship experience in 2025 and will make an impact this upcoming campaign. “We also added some key new players like sophomore defenseman Julian Levenson and junior forward Baker Well,” Thomas said of his roster. “This is a great group that we have this year… If you come out to see us at Playland Ice Casino, you won’t be disappointed.”
Rye has 19 games remaining, excluding potential playoff contests, beginning on December 10 at home and ending on February 13. Thomas spoke about his team’s schedule before the season, circling several key games throughout the winter.
“There are a few games we are looking forward to this year… obviously our league rivalry games against Pelham, Suffern, and Mamaroneck,” the head coach told MyRye.com. “We are also looking forward to our December 17th Hockey Fights Cancer Game against Byram Hills as well as our crosstown rivalry game against Rye Country Day [January 21 at Playland]. Lastly, we will be taking our show on the road for three upstate trips this year to Plattsburg, Massena, and Queensbury [January 23-28].”
The busy schedule, combined with a solid gorup of returners looking to fill a gap left behind by a talented class of 2025, creates plenty of excitement around the Garnets ahead of the 2026 campaign. Rye went 17-5-1 last year, winning a Section 1 championship. That remains the goal for the Garnets in 2026, Thomas’ 13th season behind the bench.
