The Rye Hockey team tied Pelham 2-2 on Wednesday, January 7, earning one point in front of a packed crowd at Playland Ice Casino. The Garnets’ penalty kill stepped up in a game filled with penalties and emotion, but it was not enough to earn a win after a scoreless overtime period.
“This was exactly what we expected it to be – an up-tempo game that would see some back and forth,” Head Coach Pete Thomas told MyRye.com after the game. “Ultimately, penalties hurt us. Even though we killed off all of the man down situations, it took the flow away from the game, which benefited Pelham.”
After the Pelicans opened the scoring, sophomore Colin Nigro scored a beautiful goal to even the ledger at one goal apiece. Ryan Draddy also scored for the Garnets, assisted by Trevor Dolan and Jamie Morris. Fernando Mosquera made 20 saves to help secure the tie.
The Rye penalty kill was crucial as regulation time waned and again in overtime, holding firm to prevent a game-winning goal. Across the final period and the five-minute overtime alone, the Garnets were forced to kill off five penalties, earning just two powerplay opportunities in that time. Despite a heavy portion of the game featuring special teams, neither Pelham nor Thomas’ squad could manage a power play goal.
Rye (5-1-1) will look to earn the full two points in their next game, a road contest on Friday, January 9. The Garnets travel to take on the Massena Raiders, who are based in very upstate New York. They also play a similarly-located Canton on Saturday 1/10.
