Rye Hockey Season Update

The Rye Varsity Hockey team currently holds a 7-11 record, and has faced plenty of ups and downs this year, but hopes to continue its recent stretch of team-oriented play and overall success. The team’s co-managers, Andrés Buenahora and John Goldszer film games throughout the season to identify specific strengths and weaknesses that can contribute to the team’s success as a whole. Last year’s Garnets finished the season with a 10-12 record, ultimately losing in the second round of the playoffs to Pelham. This season’s roster includes notable players such as Captain and defensive star, Seamus Carol, sophomore goalie Peter Patouhas, senior Cameron DiEdwards, and Juniors Alex Noga and Connor O’Brien.

Rye’s Alex Noga (left) battling for the puck with Pelham’s Drew Montanarella (right)

Others such as Max Khale, Johnny Finnegan, and Chris Meyers are secondary options and very skilled players that the team has looked to for significant contributions throughout the season. Unfortunately, this year’s team has dealt with an abundance of injuries from Connor O’Brien to Jack Lynch to Jason Luci. The Garnets are comprised of a less experienced core than in past years but have a ton of potential and young talent to build upon, such as Sophomores Declan Lavelle and Sasha Vasyuta. Coach Peter Thomas noted that “we are a younger team than we have been in a long time but we are confident in our players’ ability to step into important roles for our team to be successful.” The team’s biggest win this year was a matchup against John Jay at home; the Garnets ultimately won 6-3, which signified the optimism and excitement that many Rye Hockey fans share for the future of the Garnet’s hockey program. For example, Claire Dailey remarks “I love going to the Rye Hockey games and seeing Chris Meyers play!” The team’s consistent improvement throughout the season exemplifies the level of perseverance and talent that the Garnets play with. As Johnny Cronin puts it “The Hockey team has great depth and every kid on the team can step up in big moments.” As the team heads into their last stretch of games and prepares for the playoffs, Junior Alex Noga explained “I think we struggled early in the season but it’s good to get that out of the way early rather than later in the season, so I definitely like where we are as a team right now and I really like our chances going into the playoffs.” As the season progresses, Rye’s Varsity Hockey team will hope to continue their strong play and make a deep run in the playoffs.