NEWARK, NJ -- The NJIT Highlanders Hockey Team officially opened their season yesterday with a 5 - 4 victory against Widener University from the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference. Although the Highlanders led 1-0 after the 1st period and 3-0 at the end of the 2nd, Widener came charging back in a wild 3rd period and gave them all they could handle.
Freshman Michael Melillo, assisted by James Wintjen and Justin Gelesky, scored on a sneaky shot from the point that bounced up and over the goalies stick late in the opening period, while Wintjen and Gelesky would each score a goal of their own in the middle stanza, to give NJIT what appeared to be a comfortable lead going into the 3rd period.
Appearances can be deceiving though and when the period began Widener was totally energized and ready to go. Comfort was replaced by a sense-of-urgency as Widener scored all 4 of their goals and even had another disallowed as the net was ruled to be off its moorings just as the puck slid in. Fortunately the Highlanders answered back when needed. Desi Fioravanti scored after he and Carmine Di Cosmo fought for a loose puck in the slot after which Chris Oertel seemed to put the team on his shoulders when he carried the puck up the left side and blasted a rocket over the left shoulder of the Widener goaltender that seemed to shout, "We will not quit!"
Coach Martin Kotowski was pushing all the right buttons during the 10 power plays that Widener bestowed on NJIT as the power play teams cashed in 4 times. On the other hand Widener could only convert 1 PP goal in 5 chances.
Other assists were given to Miguel Dominguez, Tim Cornely and Kevin McMorrow.
Joe Cestaro made several great saves, stopping 30 out of 34 shots, while NJIT scored their 5 goals on 32 shots.
Next up: SUNY New Paltz Friday 10/17/08 8:00 PM at Prudential Center.
Come out and support the team as they face off against their arch-rival in the first league game of the season. There promises to be a lot of hitting as these two teams traditionally do not get along!
