The NYU Violets kicked off the 2022-23 hockey season with two games against the #6 ranked Stony Brook Seawolves this past weekend.
Friday’s game was the home opener for NYU. Stony Brook placed the first and only goal of the first period five minutes into the game. NYU fought hard during the second period, but Stony Brook scored twice more – ending that period 0-3. Just one minute into the last period, NYU got on the board, with a power play goal from Adam Peck (#16), assisted by Theo Hembre (#2). Minutes later, the Seawolves scored once more, but NYU reacted with a goal of their own by Adam Peck, assisted by Theo Hembre again. With just 32 seconds to go in the game, NYU goalie Chris Cataldo was pulled. Stony Brook gained control of the puck and scored their fifth goal on the empty net. Cataldo re-entered the net and the game ended 2-5 for a Stony Brook win.
Their second game of the back-to-back Stony Brook series took place on Saturday in Long Island at The Rinx. NYU put up a good fight, keeping the game close for the duration of play, but ultimately falling 2-3. Stony Brook opened the scoring in the first period just over four minutes into the game, and NYU answered back with a goal on the power play by Brandon Wilky (#24) assisted by Josh Stich (#27) and Reagan Wortz (#6) with just over a minute left in the first. Both teams fought hard during the second, creating almost even shots but resulting in no goals from either team. NYU pulled ahead in the beginning of the third period with a goal by Josh Stich and an assist by Adam Peck (#16). Stony Brook pulled even two minutes later, securing the lead with a third goal thirteen minutes into the period, leaving the score at 2-3. The game was tight throughout, with the penalty kill unit going six for six, allowing no Stony Brook power play goals. Goalie Chris Cataldo stopped 30 of 33 shots faced, helping to keep NYU in the game.
Brandon Wilky, who scored the first of NYU’s goals on Saturday, says, “I thought overall the team played well this weekend. Stony Brook is a tough opponent to open the season against, especially with a shortened training season. I was extremely proud of the new guys who had their first experience playing for NYU Hockey. However, this weekend shows that we have a long way to go if we are going to accomplish the goals that we set before the season. Drexel eliminated us last season, so there isn’t going to be any added motivation needed going into this weekend.”
“It wasn’t the outcome we wanted but our guys battled every shift. I have full confidence that it’s only up from here,” added Cataldo.
The Violets play the Drexel Dragons this upcoming weekend and hope to redeem themselves. They will be playing two away games at the Class of 1923 Arena in Philadelphia on Friday at 10:05pm and again on Sunday at 6pm.
Fans are now able to come to our home games at Chelsea Piers. Check the NYU Violet’s season schedule on our website to find more information about future games. You can also follow our Twitter (@nyuicehockey) for live game action!