NEWARK, NJ -- Undefeated in the first 6 games of the season, the Highlanders were hoping to keep their streak going against conference and divisional opponent from Saratoga Springs, NY. Unfortunately the Halfbreds from Skidmore College had other plans.
Skidmore opened the scoring with a pair of goals in the middle of the first period despite intense pressure from the Highlanders forecheck. Undaunted, NJIT came roaring back to score the next three goals in a span of 2 minutes to take the lead. Desi Fioravanti got them going with help from Justin Gelesky and Chris Sala, followed by Matt Webb, assisted by Tim Cornely.
Then it was back to Fioravanti from Gelesky and James Wintjen. The lead was short-lived as exactly one minute later the Halfbreds knot the score at 3 - 3.
The second period was similar to the first as Skidmore struck twice in a row. However, this time NJIT couldn't return the favor and they found themselves trailing 5 - 3 as the period ended.
As the 3rd period was about to get underway NJIT asked for a measurement of the Skidmore goalie's leg pads and the referees determined that they were illegal. Skidmore then challenged the NJIT goalie's pads which resulted in them receiving a minor penalty since Joe Cestaro's pads were in compliance with the new rules. Unfortunately the Highlanders could not capitalize on the ensuing power play. It wasn't long before they got another chance as Skidmore was called for major penalty for charging while NJIT received a minor for roughing. After the minor expired the Halfbreds would be shorthanded for three minutes regardless of how many goals were scored.
NJIT made the most of the opportunity netting a pair to tie the game as Gelesky scored with help from Steve Shepherd and Fioravanti and then on his next shift fed James Wintjen for a breakaway goal. The major penalty still had a minute to run when NJIT took an undisciplined retaliation penalty and Skidmore struck during the power play to regain the lead 6-5. Although there was only there was only half a period left the game was nowhere near over.
With 6:38 left to go in the game and NJIT facing yet another Skidmore power play, they challenged the Skidmore back-up goalie's pads and AGAIN the referees determined that they too were illegal! Skidmore reacted the way a guilty child might when caught stealing from the cookie jar. They screamed and carried on and tried to blame anyone and everyone but themselves. The players had to be restrained from attacking the NJIT bench, while their coach was leaning over the glass and screaming obscenities. Meanwhile their fans were so out-of-control that reinforcements were called in.
When order was restored, with the help of Prudential Center security, Skidmore sent a player out to finish the game in net without goalie pads!
To his credit he did a great job. Fioravanti, assisted by Webb completed his hat trick and the game at 6 - 6 was once again tied. The Highlanders were in the driver's seat, but not for long as just 14 seconds later they took another penalty giving Skidmore another power play during which they scored the winning goal.
The outcome of the game finally decided, the only question now is whether or not there will be any sanctions handed out by the league for the obvious flaunting of the rules and the disgraceful behavior of the Skidmore coaches, players and fans. In an ugly incident after the game a Skidmore fan verbally assaulted the NJIT assistant coaches as the were leaving the building. Needless to say there are some concerns about how the league will handle security when the Highlanders travel to Glen's Falls later in the year for the rematch.
Next up: SUNY Albany - Friday 8:00 PM at Prudential Center
