Highlander Hockey Continues its Winning Ways

NJIT - 7; New Paltz - 2

NEWARK, NJ -- While Ringling Brothers was in the main arena, NJIT put on quite a show of
their own last night at Prudential Center.

Metropolitan Collegiate Hockey Conference arch-rivals - the Ice Hawks, from SUNY New Paltz were in town and probably would rather have gone to the circus. After losing a pair of one-goal games to New Paltz last year the Highlanders had much to prove to the league to themselves and to the large crowd.

Prove it they did as NJIT scored early and often AND late! With two goals in the first, three in the second and another pair in the third period - this game was never in doubt. Everyone had a great time, especially the large crowd full of vocal fans that cheered every goal, save and hit.

It was a night of "firsts" for the home team as NJIT followed their victorious first ACHA game of the season last week with a convincing 7-2 win in their first MCHC contest of the year this week. The theme of "firsts" was evident as freshman Justin Gelesky scored his first hat trick, #Carmine
DiCosmo scored his first career goal while Matt Vogt#, Joe Whitford and Nick Naumovski each earned their first career assist.

Meanwhile the veteran line of Matt Webb (one goal), Tim Cornely (one goal; two assists) and Kevin McMorrow (three assists) made their presence felt, while rookie defenseman Mike Melillo (one goal; one assist) seemed to be rushing the puck up ice at will. Desi Fioravanti and James Wintjen each had an assist.

Joe Cestaro, who was solid in net was able to leave the acrobatics to the professionals next door, is sure that this is the first time that the team has let up less than 25 shots on net.

With this first step complete the team travels to Hackensack, NJ tomorrow night to take on Columbia University, who lost to Hofstra last week 11-6.

Next week the Highlanders return home to host St. Thomas Aquinas on Saturday night at 8:00 PM. Come out to Prudential Center and be a part of the fun!

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