This past weekend the NYU Violets played two away games in a weekend series against the Drexel Dragons. The first game, on Friday, opened with a goal from Drexel a minute into the game. This was the only goal of the first period, leaving it 1-0 Drexel.
However, NYU came out strong during the second period, with an unassisted goal from Theo Hembre (#2) less than a minute into the period, drawing the game even at 1-1. There was only one other goal in the second, scored by Adam Peck (#16), with assists by Mac Brice (#22) and Reagan Wortz (#6). The period ended with NYU up 2-1, having scored the only goals in the second period and bringing them ahead of Drexel.
Unfortunately, Drexel pulled even five minutes into the third, but NYU scored ten minutes later, with a goal by Mac Brice and an assist by Adam Svoboda, once again giving NYU the lead. After an incredibly tense third period, Drexel pulled even once again with 12 seconds left in the game, forcing an overtime. Luckily, NYU was able to score at just over a minute into the overtime, with another goal by Theo Hembre, and assists by Adam Peck (#16) and Jackson Oleson (#4). Goaltender Chris Cataldo put up a strong performance once again, making 31 saves on 34 shots.
Overall, this was an incredibly tight game, with good scoring chances on both ends. Drexel challenged NYU at every turn, never giving up a lead for long. Still, it was a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for NYU.
The second game of the weekend series took place Sunday evening. The game picked up quickly with a Drexel goal less than two minutes in. NYU answered a minute later with a goal of their own, scored by Mac Brice (#22), and assisted by Adam Svoboda (#19) and Joshua Stich (#27). NYU and Drexel played this back and forth twice more, with an additional goal from Mac Brice, assisted by Adam Svoboda and Adam Peck (#16), and a power play goal by Adam Svoboda, assisted by James Orne (#17) and Joshua Stich – ending the first period tied 3-3. NYU came onto the ice strong for the second period with a quick goal from Jackson Oleson (#4), assisted by James Orne, just two minutes in. Reagan Wortz (#6) secured the next goal for NYU on a power play, assisted by Adam Peck and Brandon Wilky (#24), leaving the final score for the second period at 5-3. Drexel fought back and scored a minute into the last period. NYU responded with a power play goal, unassisted by Jackson Oleson. Seconds later, Drexel answered back with another goal, and with seven seconds on the clock, scored another goal – leaving the third period tied 6-6 and commencing overtime. With the game tied and no goals in the five minutes of overtime, shootout began. There were four rounds for each team. Drexel scored once in the shootout and NYU scored twice, one from John Dorio (#23) and one from Reagan Wortz – ending the game 7-6 for an NYU win.
Goalie Ryan Füeg (#31), who played Sunday evening’s game, saved 31 of 37 shots and 3 of the 4 shots in the shootout, ensuring the NYU win. “Getting into some game action was great, there were a few plays I wish I could take back but it was nice to come out with a win. The team had my back all game long, no matter what the scoreboard said, and even when the game got a little out of hand we hunkered down and got the 2 points,” Füeg shares.
“We put up another solid performance all around. I think there are always improvements to make, but our offense put up some big numbers and our defensemen got in the mix too. We are going to button some things down defensively and keep this momentum going as we look at the weekend ahead of us,” adds defenseman Jackson Oleson, who scored two goals and assisted another this past weekend.
The NYU Violets take on the Drexel Dragons again this weekend at our very own Chelsea Piers on both Friday and Saturday at 9:00pm. Fans are now able to come watch the fun! Check the website for more information about upcoming games and for gameday photos.