NEWARK, NJ - The NJIT men's hockey were looking to do something they haven't achieved since 2015, clinch a playoff berth. A win against the St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans would have given them just that as the 4th seed in the MCHC. But that was not the case as the Spartans won 8-1. The Highlanders finished 8-9-1 overall and 5-6-1 in MCHC play. It was the inaugural "Alumni Night" where President of the NJIT Hockey Commission Carmine Di Cosmo was honored. He presented the program a check of $10,000 to further support its future. 

STAC scored short-handed late in the 1st to lead 1-0 after 20 minutes. The game got more physical and intense in the 2nd period, but the Spartans would extend their lead with 2 more goals. They would hold a three-goal advantage at the 2nd intermission. 

STAC would make it 4-0 early in the 3rd period. NJIT would finally get on the board when Noah Bergen got his 10th goal of the season on the power play. Ian Etienne would get the lone helper. The game got out of hand as both teams' emotions and tempers were high with the added stakes, a parade of penalties were called on both sides. The Spartans would score 4 more goals that included 3 straight power play goals to end the game in dominant fashion. Elliot Marken made 46 saves in the evening.

Goals: Bergen

Assists: Etienne

SOG: STAC - 54; NJIT - 24

PP: STAC - 3 for 5;  NJIT - 1 for 6

PK: STAC - 5 of 6;  NJIT - 2 for 5

Thanks to all the NJIT alumni, family, friends, and supporters of the program for watching and cheering all season long. We will see you again next season in the fall.