In a nail-biting rematch on Wednesday, February 7th between Neumann University Men's Ice Hockey team and Arcadia University, emotions ran high as the home team fought tooth and nail to break their losing streak, sending the game into overtime but falling short in shootout.
Fans packed the stands at the Neumann game, ready to witness a change and turnaround for the team.
The air was charged with anticipation as the puck dropped, with victorious memories of their previous encounter on November 14th at Arcadia University, where Neumann dominated in a 6-2 win.
Six different players produced for their team that day, with goalie Cole DeFazio standing firm in front of the net with twenty-four saves.
However, since then, the intensity has shifted. Neumann entered the rematch with a discouraging nine-game losing streak, desperate to change. The stakes were high, with a position in the playoffs up for grabs.
Arcadia sent the first shot into the back of the net, sending a hush over the Neumann bench.
But the home team rallied, displaying strength and determination throughout the game.
The Knights collected and came back with PJ Demitrio scoring at the start of the second period. With assists from TJ Ezzard and Tyler Inlow.
Shortly following, Yancey Whitaker put Neumann up with a 2-1 lead with assists from Max Mila and TJ Ezzard.
The atmosphere of the game intensified from every angle. Following a controversial call involving Tyler Kulas, the crowd roared in anger, while the players became increasingly heated.
As a result, Head Coach Michael Hedden was removed from the game, followed shortly thereafter by Volunteer Assistant Coach Shayne Morrissey.
When Arcadia gained a power play position following the chaos, they took a 3-2 lead.
As the clock ticked down in the third period, with just 30 seconds remaining, Neumann scored to tie the game at 3-3, sending the crowd into a hysteria of cheers.
Overtime followed, with Neumann dominating possession but unable to capitalize on their opportunities. As tensions mounted, the game was ultimately decided in an intense shootout.
Both teams exchanged goals in the shootout, with Neumann's Brady Mistler displaying his skill and setting up Neumann for a rally. But other players PJ Demitrio and Luke Croucher both missed two crucial shots.
With a win on the line, it all came down to the fourth shooter. Neumann's JD Spears stepped onto the ice, but his shot sailed wide, leaving the door open for Arcadia.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Arcadia grasped the opportunity, burying the puck in the upper left-hand corner past goaltender Cole DeFazio's outstretched glove.
The final buzzer sounded, indicating a crushing defeat for Neumann.
The loss not only minimized their playoff hopes but also extended their losing streak to a frightening ten games.
As they gathered in the locker room, thoughts turned to their upcoming showdown against Nazareth University on senior day. They will need to battle to sweep the weekend in the possibility of claiming a playoff spot.
Despite the setback, the Neumann Knights fought until the final whistle.
Aside from Demitrio's two goals, he also led Neumann with nine shots on goal. A total of seven shots were fired by Croucher, followed by five from Mistler and five from Whitaker.
Throughout the game, the Knights had fifty-three shots on target. The Knights goalie Cole DeFazio made twenty-seven saves.
As they prepared to face their next challenge, they remained determined to write a different ending to their season.
Editor’s note: The men’s hockey ended their losing streak three days later in an overtime win against Nazareth University, but ultimately fell short and did not qualify for the UCHC playoffs.
