The Rye High School Varsity Hockey team has been around since 1974. 52 years later, the Garnets are New York State champions.
Rye defeated Byram Hills 5-1 in dominant fashion on Sunday, March 15, reaching the top of the mountain. They have won to the point that they can win no more.
Let the celebration begin.
The Garnets fell behind 1-0 in the first period, but scored five unanswered goals to put the hammer down on the Bobcats, who upset Rye in the sectional tournament. Rye made the most of their at-large bid to the Regional finals, defeating Aquinas, Clarence, and earning sweet revenge on Byram en route to the program’s first State championship trophy.
The goal scorers for the team in white were Jamie Morris, Max Niejadlik, Colin Nigro, Will Weinman, and Finn Draddy. Fernando Mosquera made 17 saves. The final shot total read 66-18. The Bobcats never had a chance.
Senior defenseman Will Weinman was named tournament MVP. The son of Rye Hockey alum and State semifinalist Sam Weinman scored a clutch game-tying goal in the previous round against Clarence and had another strong game to help his team secure the ultimate prize, including the fourth goal late in the second period to snatch all hope for a Byram Hills comeback.
Pete Thomas becomes the first head coach in Rye Hockey history to capture a State title in his 13th season at the helm.
Rye concludes the season 19-3-3, having won their league regular season title, their midseason Applebees Winter Classic tournament, and, of course, a NYS championship. The full championship roster, which will forever be immortalized in RCSD Athletics history, is below:
F Colin Nigro (So.)
D Will Weinman (Sr. captain)
D Aidan Lynch (Fr.)
F Mac Kelly (So.)
F Ryan Draddy (Sr. captain)
F Max Niejadlik (So.)
F Trevor Dolan (Sr. captain)
D Luke Davies (Jr.)
F Matt Rovenger (Sr.)
D Julian Levenson (So.)
F Connor Dehmer (Fr.)
D Will Molin (Sr.)
D Kai Brittain (Jr.)
F Baker Wells (Jr.)
F Finn Draddy (So.)
F Will Niejadlik (So.)
F Jake Souza (So.)
F Cody Greenhaw (Sr.)
D/F Jack McGill (Jr.)
F Jamie Morris (Sr.)
G Davis Goodman (Jr.)
G Fernando Mosquera (Jr.)
HC Pete Thomas
AC Thomas Bailey
AC Mark Kronenberger
Manager Grayce Coyne
Manager Elle Ridley
