This past weekend the Seawolves traveled to Rhode Island to compete in the ESCHL playoffs. Due to unknown reasons the University of Delaware Blue Hens forfeited their playoff appearance, moving Stony Brook to the #1 seed in the tournament. Under the new rankings the Seawolves played Rutgers University in the Semi-finals. After a very sluggish first period, Stony Brook was able to pull ahead 1-0 on a goal from freshman forward Kevin Murphy after a beautiful feed from Eddie Osowski on an odd man rush. Halfway through the second period the Seawolves capitalized on the power play as Junior forward, Brad Riccardi was able to bury a rebound from defenseman Frank Coscia’s heavy shot from the point. Unfortunately Stony Brook surrendered a goal late in the second period to make it a 2-1 game. Early in the third period Rutgers tied the game at two apiece. A sense of desperation increased knowing that the loser of the game would be eliminated from the tournament. It was not until the final minute of the game when it was captain, JT Hall who scored the game winner after a scramble in front of the Rutgers net minder. The Seawolves went on to win by a final score of 3-2 and went on to the Championship game against division rival, the Liberty University Flames.
The championship game against the Flames was not the start the Seawolves were hoping for, after allowing a goal on the opening shift. After some extremely questionable calls Stony Brook seemed to be in trouble as the Flames capitalized on their power-plays giving them a 3-0 lead halfway through the first period. After taking a timeout, the Seawolves wanted to regain focus of the game knowing there was still plenty of time left in the game. Junior forward Brendan Calello found the back of the net to cut the Flames lead to two. The second period Stony Brook dominated play as they outshot the flames 19 to 6 despite not being able to score leaving the game 3-1 heading into the third period. After some arguable penalties again, the Seawolves found themselves behind 6-1 late in the third as the Flames power-play continued their success. The Flames went on to win the game making your Seawolves second place in the ESCHL. This marks the first time in five years Stony Brook has not won the ESCHL championship. The Seawolves head to Ohio on March 10th to compete in the National Tournament as they play the defending National Champions, the Lindenwood University Lions. Let’s go Seawolves!
