SUNY Cortland’s ice hockey teams had a perfect playoff start on Wednesday. Both the women’s and men’s teams secured victories that took them through to the second round of the SUNYAC Championship. In their respective home games, the women defeated Potsdam with 4-1. The men won 2-0 over Canton in the evening.
The women’s team conceded the first goal in the first period. But that was to be the only goal they allowed. Fanny Aneborn (7) equalized before the intermission, assisted by Katie Mahoney (13). Both players are among the top scorers in Cortland’s statistical leader list for the current season.
The duo was also successful in the second period. Aneborn scored the Red Dragons’ second goal shortly after the puck drop. In the 27th minute, she added her third goal. Mahoney assisted on both. The second period ended 3-1, giving Cortland firm control of the game.
Cortland kept the pressure on Potsdam in the final period. After several good chances, Grace Karakas (8) scored the final goal of the game. The goal was set up by Drew Kopek (22) and Gillian Dinsmore (2). With a 4-1 victory, the Red Dragons got off to a good start towards the championship.
The Cortland men’s team needed more time to decide the game against Canton. Both teams received a two-minute penalty in the first period, but neither side was able to capitalize on the powerplay. Overall, it was very evenly matched, with Cortland having more chances. Strong goaltending ensured that the teams went into the intermission scoreless.
The second period started much more intensely. Early puck wins in the opponent’s half created opportunities for the Red Dragons. In the 32nd minute, Canton’s goalie Miller had to save a double chance from Charlie Merkley (14) and Brady Hildreth (15). In the 39th minute, Dino Manetta (3) had the best chance of the game with a long-range shot that hit the post. The period ended with a shot ratio of 25:13 and still no goals on the scoreboard.
The final third proved decisive for the game. In the 51st minute, Sam Christiano (20) scored the important first goal. Following a pass from JC Humphreys (18), Christiano successfully poked the puck in the slot. He now has 21 points on Cortland’s statistical leader list. Cortland then played with more courage and determination. This was rewarded in the 59th minute. After winning the puck in their own half and quickly shifting play, Thomas Rockey (16) scored his ninth goal of the season. The assist came from Jack Martin (8) and Matthew DeSpirit (5).
The Red Dragons now have to make it through the second round on Saturday. While the women’s team will be playing against Oswego, the men have to face Hobart. Hobart finished the regular season in first place and beat Cortland 4-3 in a tight game a few weeks ago. Thomas Rockey is nevertheless convinced: “It was a one-goal game. Someone’s got to beat them!”