The Cortland Men’s Hockey team defeated Geneseo in the SUNYAC semi finals to advance to the finals for the second time in school history. The Red Dragons will face SUNY Plattsburgh in the finals on Saturday March 2nd at 7 PM.
With 31 years since their last appearance, Cortland braces for yet another matchup against Plattsburgh in the SUNYAC finals, looking to redeem themselves of their last encounter. Among those who vividly recall the anguish of Cortland’s last finals appearance in 1993, is Derek Lalonde, Cortland alumni and current Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
Lalonde spoke about the semi final win and recalled meeting the team last year when asked about Cortland at a recent press conference.
Cortland entered the playoffs as the fourth seed in the SUNYAC, starting their run in the first round defeating Brockport 5-1 at home. Heading into the semi-finals matchup against Geneseo, the Red Dragons found themselves trailing by a goal a few minutes into the second period. However, sophomores Stephen Kyrkostas and Colby Seitz swiftly responded with goals of their own before the start of the third period.
Just three minutes into the third period, Geneseo quickly responded with a goal of their own, tying the match 2-2. The Red Dragons broke the tie halfway through the third period, and stood strong defensively to secure an upset over the top-seeded and nationally fourth-ranked Geneseo with a 3-2 victory. While junior Anthony Bernardo’s late-game goal sealed the win for the Red Dragons it was senior goaltender Jack Riedell who stood tall in the goal with 35 saves – his third-highest of the season.
Reidell has recognized the growth this team has gone through this season and how it is being reflected through results in the playoffs.
“You work so hard all year to get to the playoffs and especially with how tough our conference is,” said Riedell. “it was an awesome feeling when the final buzzer went off and we knew we had done it”
Riedell reflected on the team’s current success compared to previous years, highlighting a notable difference in confidence levels this season. Drawing from his experience as one of the more seasoned players, Riedell acknowledges the evolving talent and the building of chemistry throughout each season.
“After Christmas break we kind of struggled to find our footing and really develop into the team we knew we could be, ” said Riedell. “But eventually we worked through it and I think we came out of those struggles a much better and closer team both on and off the ice.”
Heading into the playoffs, Plattsburgh held the third seed in the SUNYAC and played their first round matchup at home against SUNY Potsdam, beating the Bears 3-2 in overtime. The Cardinals are coming off a win against Oswego in the semi finals, preventing the Lakers from reaching the finals five years in a row, and prevailing in overtime yet again.
As the Cortland gears up for the upcoming finals matchup, their defense will face a challenge at the hands of the Cardinals’ offensive and goaltending prowess. Leading the offense for Plattsburgh is senior Bennett Stockdale who is tied for second in the SUNYAC in goals with 19, third in points. In goal for the Cardinals will be junior Jacob Hearne who currently holds the second lowest goal-against average in the conference with 1.74.
In order to keep up with Plattsburgh, Cortland’s offensive leaders will need to step up to live up to the talent at the goalie position. Seniors Nate Berke and Sutter Donegan currently lead the Red Dragons offensively, both tied with 14 goals on the season. Berke leads the team in assists with 19, which ranks fourth in the SUNYAC.
Be sure to show support for the Red Dragons this weekend as they continue their run through the SUNYA. If you are unable to drive nearly five hours to watch in person, the live stream will be hosted on SUNY Plattsburgh’s Athletics website which will be linked below.
https://gocardinalsports.com/sports/2017/10/3/mens-ice-hockey-video-stream.aspx
Facing Plattsburgh yet again, 31 years later, Cortland Men’s Hockey finds themselves standing on the brink of redemption. Their return to the SUNYAC finals presents a golden opportunity to claim their place among the conference elite.