Newark, NJ – The Highlanders were hoping to start the 2020 portion of the season on a winning note and to keep their Colonial Cup playoff hopes alive.

Unfortunately, the West Chester Golden Rams stamped their ticket into the playoffs while also eliminating the Highlanders from contention. NJIT's overall record in ACHA contests is 3-15 and their CSCHC record is 3-11.

Before the game, Senior Defensemen James Lyle and Michael Wright as well as Senior Goaltender Matthew Altomare were honored with a pre-game ceremony recognizing their contributions and accomplishments with the program. They took a picture together with each member's parents at their side.

The Highlanders struck first on a 5 vs 3 power play with Ted Lee getting his 2 nd goal of the season with the assist going to James Lyle on a beautiful give-and-go
one touch pass back to Lee. The Golden Rams tied it with a little over three minutes remaining in the period.

West Chester took control of the game in the second period where they seemed to dominate in zone time, puck possession, and the overall play. Matthew Altomare was able to make a lot of big saves to keep the game even for the majority of the period. But, the Golden Rams got a shorthanded goal on a intercepted pass from Altomare and were able to score on an open net to take a 2-1 lead into the 2 nd intermission.

The teams traded goals as West Chester extended their lead to 3-1 on a power play goal near the midway point in the third period and Jason Applin answered with his 1 st goal of the season on a seeing-eye shot that deflected off a Golden Ram player, fooling the net-minder to cut the deficit to 3-2 with 4:10 remaining.

Michael Caufield got an assist to extend his point streak to 11 games.

The Golden Rams cinched their victory with an empty net goal with 32 seconds to go in the game and final score read 4-2. Matthew Altomare made 45 saves on the night.

Goals: Lee, Applin
Assists: Lyle, Porter, Caufield
Saves: Altomare 45 saves
SOG: West Chester – 49 NJIT – 22
PP: West Chester – 1/4 NJIT – 1/5

The Highlanders will play against the Monmouth Hawks Sunday night at 8:30 at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House.