The Rye Varsity Hockey Team’s 2014 home opener and return to Playland on December 3rd after two years of displacement from hurricane Sandy was a huge success! As Rye High School Principal Patty Taylor said “it was an emotional and very moving evening. I am so proud of everyone that helped to support the night”. The pre-game ceremonies organized by the Rye Varsity Hockey Booster Club and the “big crowd” of Rye fans made a “playoff [like] atmosphere at the world’s most famous Ice Casino” according to Isaac Cass of MSG Varsity.
Having the Rye High School Chorus conducted by Thomas Snowden perform the national anthem was “awesome and needs to happen at more games” said Isaac. Especially moving was the tribute to Peter Collins (Class of 2013) and former Varsity Hockey player who passed away this summer. His father Tim dropped the puck at the ceremonial face off with the shiny new Collins Cup in the background. The Collins Cup will be given annually to the most spirited player on the Varsity Hockey Team. Hearing the crowd chant his name like they used to during Varsity Hockey games brought a tear to the eye.
The game itself was a tightly contested until Iona Prep opened the scoring and eventually won it in the third period defeating the Garnets 4-2. Coach Thomas remarked “I think we showed improvement over our first game. We are very young and are learning a new style of play. The scoring will come and when it does, we will be a dangerous team to play against. In the mean time, we will continue to rely on the outstanding goaltending we have gotten and build from there.”
Coming into this game Iona had scored a total of 13 goals in their last two outings. The Garnets held the Gales scoreless until a power play goal four minutes into the third period. Soon after that the Gaels went up 2-0, but the Garnets responded with a goal of their own. Captain Derek Mullane buried a wrist shot from the slot (with an assist from Tommy O’Brien) to bring the Garnets within one goal mid-way thru the final frame. Unfortunately, with the Garnets on a power play, Iona blocked a shot attempt and sprung Christian Van Eck on a shorthanded breakaway. Stimied all game by net minder Nat Deen he finally scored giving the Gaels a 3-1 lead with nine minutes left. But once again the Rye Varsity Hockey Team did not fold, they responded with a power play goal! Tommy O’Brien cleaned up a chunky rebound from a Hank McWilliam shot with a nifty backhand to again bring the Garnets within one goal. The Garnets pressed hard in the final minutes during a 6-on-5, but could not score and yielded an empty net goal, sealing Iona’s 4-2 victory.
Highlights of the game: Derek Mullane scored his third of the season, assisted by Tommy O’Brien; and Tommy O’Brien scored his first of the season assisted by Hank McWilliams. The Gaels outshot the Garnets 29-23; Rye went 2/7 on the power play versus Iona going 1/4. Coach Thomas selected Captain Goalie Nat Deen as the Player of the game.
Unfortunately, the Garnets came out on the losing end of this match but Rye High School and the Rye community came out a winner – the home opener showcased many of the great things about Rye – it was an emotional and special night.
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BIG GAME coming up next Wednesday Dec 17 – 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & ALUMNI GAME – at 7:45pm at Playland v. White Plains.
Festivities will include an Alumni reception, Rhythm On Rye performing the national anthem at center ice, a tribute to former Coaches and Alumni, and the Rye High School Pep Band.
Come out and support your #HockeyGarnets on December 17th, be loud and cheer them on!
New Website: www.RyeVarsityHockey.com pictures, schedule, articles and lots more!
Twitter: follow us live during the game and between games at @RyeVarsityHocky (no space for the “e”)
Home (Playland) Schedule for 2014-2015
Wed 12/17/2014** 7:45PM RYE v. WHITE PLAINS
Wed 1/7/2015 7:45PM RYE v. JOHN JAY
Wed 1/14/2015# % 7:45PM RYE v. RCDS
Wed 1/21/2015 % 7:45PM RYE v. NEW ROCHELLE
Wed 1/28/2015 7:45PM RYE v. SUFFERN HS
Wed 2/4/2015 7:45PM RYE v. NORTH ROCKLAND
Fri 2/6/2014 # 4:45PM RCDS v. RYE at RCDS Rink in Rye
Wed 2/11/2015 !$ 7:45PM RYE v. PELHAM
Wed 2/12/2015 Sr 8:00PM RYE v. MONROE WOODBURY
** 40th Anniversary Celebration Game
# Battle for Rye
! Annual Rivalry Game
% Hockey vs. Hunger Game
$ Hockey Fights Cancer Game
Sr Senior Night
