The Rye boys’ hockey team wrapped up the 2024 calendar year on a high note, winning the Applebee’s Winter Classic Tournament in Plattsburgh, N.Y. It’s just the bounce Coach Peter Thomas and the Garnets were looking for as they enter the heart of their season.
“We got behind (in the championship game) to Beekmantown (West Chazy, N.Y.) early,” Rye’s coach said. “But the boys found their stride at the end of the first period and never looked back.”
Beekmantown scored the first two goals of the championship game before Rye answered with seven straight scores in a commanding 7-2 victory. Power play goals from seniors Tyler McDermott and Jamie Showers tied the game 2-2 by the end of the first period. Rye took home the trophy on Dec. 21.
Freshman — and tournament MVP — Will Niejadlik scored what ended up being the game-winner at the end of the second period. Will Molin netted his first varsity goal at the start of the third. Junior Will Weinman and freshman Max Niejadlik also added third-period goals.
Sophomore goalie Fernando Mosquera kept busy with 33 saves. McDermott was joined on the all-tournament team by Finn Draddy, Will Molin, and Fernando Mosquera.
In the semifinals of the ninth-annual tournament, Rye dominated Northeastern Clinton Central School (Champlain, N.Y) 13-0.
McDermott and Max Niejadlik each recorded hat tricks, and Morris added two goals. Trevor Dolan, Drew Dolan, Draddy, Kim, and Niejadlik (first varsity goal) each scored one.
Draddy and Niejadlik each added four assists, while Owen Fitzgibbons made 12 saves for the shutout win.
With three straight wins, the Garnets have improved their record to 3-2-1. Rye plays 5 p.m. Jan. 14 at Pelham before returning home for a game against Clarkstown, set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Playland.