Ten goals scored by one team in a hockey game is a big number. It typically means something went really right AND something went really wrong.
In Rye’s 10-3 victory over Mamaroneck on Friday at Hommocks Park, what went right was Colin Nigro. With a ton of help, the sophomore scored five – yes, he did – goals in the game. What went wrong was the free-falling Tigers (7-10) dropped their seventh game in a row.
“It was another pretty dominant performance from our team tonight,” said coach Peter Thomas, whose team improved to 11-2-3. “The seniors on our team, particularly Jamie Morris, Will Weinman, Trevor Dolan, and Ryan Draddy, are doing a tremendous job leading this team on and off the ice right now.”
Repeating the highly desirable practice of scoring early, Morris, sophomore Max Niejadlik, and Nigro all scored in the first period as Rye opened up a 3-1 lead. Niejadlik’s second goal, plus one from senior Cody Greenhaw, made it 5-2.
Then Nigro scored three in a row.
After his fourth goal, Nigro appeared to look toward his Rye bench with a slight Michael Jordan shoulder shrug. He was in the mythical zone – and couldn’t explain it.
Morris’ second goal gave Rye a 9-2 lead, then Nigro closed out the scoring with his fifth.
“Colin is a very skilled player,” Thomas said. “He’s shifty, quick with the puck, and has good vision. Tonight, he was the recipient of some great play from his classmate Finn Draddy, who set him up for some good looks.”
So indeed, it was a nice win for the Garnets, but there will be no gentle slide into the playoffs for this team. After a few days off, Rye will face two-time defending New York Division 1 state champion Suffern twice in the next two weeks. The first meeting of these state tourney hopefuls is Wednesday at Playland for Rye’s Senior Night.
