NEWARK, NJ - After opening the season with a 7-2 victory against New Paltz the Highlanders, went on to post a 13-7-0 record and earn a first ever playoff berth.  So, it was fitting that the first playoff opponent should also be New Paltz.   The stands were packed and there was excitement in the air. Unfortunately for NJIT the result was not the same, as the 7th seeded Highlanders fell to the 10th seeded Ice Hawks 1-0 in overtime.

NJIT came out strong and had plenty of scoring chances, especially early on when New Paltz was shorthanded time after time.  To say that the New Paltz goalie was the star of the game would be an understatement.  Time after time it appeared as if NJIT had him right where they wanted and time after time the tables were turned.  Everyone in the building knew that if the Highlanders could score one - they would score a bunch.  But, it was not meant to be.  Although the Highlanders held a 38-14 advantage in shots at the end of regulation, the scoreboard still read 0-0.

NJIT again came out strong to start the sudden death session, but a minor lapse in defensive zone coverage gave New Paltz an open look at a back door goal and the Ice Hawks made the most of it, netting the lone tally and celebrating like only only an OT winner can do.

Thus ends the first winning season for this group of players who gave their heart and soul to resurrecting the program 4 years ago and turning it around in just 3 short seasons.