Hockey Team Wins in Sudden-Death Showdown

The men’s hockey team pulled off a huge come from behind victory last Wednesday, defeating Mohawk Valley Community College in front of a raucous “Community Night” crowd.

The game took a drastic turn in HVCC’s favor when freshman Adam Racoczy (Clifton Park) scored just two minutes into the third period to start the comeback. The Vikings (8-9-2) fought in overtime to defeat the Hawks (12-9-1) 5-4, adding a big win to this season’s record.

After a loss and a tie against MVCC in November, Coach Matt Alvey prepared his team for a tough game. “Our offense needs to put together some goals, which we have lacked this year. In the last few weeks we have been working in practice to promote more scoring chances. Hopefully the hard work will pay off,” he said before the opening face-off.

Both teams proved to be relentless from the start, as they each fought to set the pace of the game.

Despite nearly doubling the shots taken by HVCC, Mohawk Valley was unable to finish, leaving the first period scoreless.

MVCC sophomore Nick Snyder (Clinton) scored the first goal of the night on a power play five minutes into the second period. The Vikings retaliated a minute later when freshman Maverick Erickson (Clarkston) netted the first goal for HVCC. After ten minutes of intensity, two consecutive goals were scored by MVCC freshman Kevin McCready (Poughkeepsie) and sophomore Kyle Tolman (Utica), closing the second period with a two goal advantage for the Hawks.

“Coach came in and talked to us. He motivated us,” said sophomore goalkeeper John Morales (San Diego, Cal). “Then we discussed amongst ourselves what we had to do to come out with a win.”

Rococzy’s comeback goal set the stage for victory as the Vikings hit the rink for the third period. With 12:03 remaining, sophomore Sean Caruso (Waterford) brought Hudson Valley even. HVCC went on to take the lead minutes later with a goal scored by freshman Eric Olds (Scotia) on a power play. Mohawk Valley took the Vikings into overtime when McCready scored his second goal of the game with less than seven minutes remaining.

Coach Alvey’s expectations for his team ensured an intense overtime, and his words before the game seemed prophetic in victory. “We are looking for a big home victory against Mohawk Valley. I expect a great game with work ethic and determination being the key factors for success,” said Alvey.

Success indeed for the Vikings, as Brian Pekala scored the winning goal during sudden death.

Athletics Director, Tom Reinish appeared hopeful for the team after the game. “It was an exciting game, and an important one for our guys. We gotta climb into the National Championship Tournament and qualify. We have important games coming up and a tough weekend ahead. It was a good win, and a good boost for their confidence.”

With six games remaining after their home win, the team hopes for a few more games like this to secure a bid to the national tournament in Canton.