The Rye hockey team might want to play all its home games in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
With a 10-1 victory Friday against Northeast Clinton and a 4-1 win Saturday against tournament host Beekmantown, the Garnets claimed their second Applebee’s Winter Classic championship trophy in as many years.
In the championship game, Rye (5-1) played its most complete team hockey of the year. Senior Jamie Morris had two goals, and twin brothers Will Niejadlik and Max Niejadlik each scored. The game-winner was carded by sophomore Max Niejadlik off a rebound from a shot by senior Will Weinman in the second period. Junior goalie Fernando Mosquera was tremendous all weekend in net for the Garnets.
Rye’s first game Friday night was an even bigger mismatch. Scoring was distributed up and down the roster, across multiple lines against a younger, less-experienced Northeast Clinton team.
Max Niejadlik was named tournament MVP, and Morris, Mosquera, and Weinman joined him on the all-tournament team.
After playing six games in two weeks to start the season, including a 300-mile bus trip up north to Plattsburgh, the Garnets can rest up before their next game, Jan. 7 at Playland against Pelham.
