“Ownage” in sports is hard to explain, and even harder to admit. A golf course on which, for some stinkin’ reason, you never ever play well. A great hitter in baseball who inexplicably can’t get on base against one particular pitcher. A team that your team just can’t beat.
For about the past five years, Pelham High School hockey has had “ownage” over Rye’s hockey team. That ownership ended Wednesday night at Playland with a hard-fought 3-1 Garnets’ victory, their fourth win in a row.
Both teams are markedly different from last year. Pelham (11-7) graduated a core group of outstanding seniors in the class of 2024, yet had won seven of its past eight entering Wednesday. Rye (7-4-1) rebuilt itself thanks to a blend of upperclassmen leadership and a handful of impact freshmen who can really play.
Continuing a recent request from Rye coach Peter Thomas to start games strong, Rye got on the board first with a goal from sophomore Kai Brittain five minutes into the game. Pelham leveled the score early in the second, but junior Trevor Dolan netted the go-ahead goal for Rye at the eight-minute mark.
Trevor’s senior brother, Drew, added a bonus goal for Rye in the third. Senior Dean Kim had two assists on the night, and juniors Will Weinman and Will Molin were fortress-like on defense all night.
With the win, Rye splits the 2025 season series with Pelham. The Garnets face another tough test at 5:25 p.m. Friday against Section 1 power Mamaroneck at Hommocks Park Ice Rink.
