New York, NY -- As the clock ran down in the third period, it became clear to many of the ice hockey players of Central Connecticut State University that NYU was going to the Super East playoffs - and that they weren't. With tension running high, three separate fights broke out on the ice before NYU closed out its two-win weekend with a 4-1 victory.
The physical play intensified when one of the NYU players made a strong check against a CCSU player into the boards, knocking the glass out. While Captain Dan Nemchek was able to diffuse some of the crowd's impatience by jokingly apologizing on the speaker system, many of the CCSU players were visibly angered.
Toward the end of the game, it appeared words were exchanged between Nemchek and CCSU player Larry French, and the fists began to fly. After both players received two minutes for roughing, two more fights broke out, including one resulting in senior Brian Gilmore's ejection from the game.
"It wasn't a fair fight," Gilmore said. "I wasn't even fighting back, and I got kicked out."
Other players were less than pleased with the fights.
"Yeah, we could've fought them," freshman Kristopher Marsh said. "But we're classier than that. It's not worth fighting and getting someone hurt with playoffs coming up."
Despite coming to blows, NYU players were ecstatic about the win over CCSU.
"We can handle ourselves," Nemchek said. "Our win knocked them out of the playoffs like they did with us last year. We got revenge, and now we're on our way to both the [Super East] playoffs and Nationals."
Freshman Tom D'Agostino broke open Sunday's game against the Central Connecticut Blue Devils with a goal just one minute into the first period. Play quickly turned tough, and the teams played an evenly matched period, which extended into a tight game from start to finish.
Despite solid pressure from CCSU's defense, NYU was able to sneak another goal in the net with only 39 seconds remaining before the first intermission.
Goalie Brian Kenney, a freshman, shined bright in the second period with some crucial plays, making three consecutive saves and robbing CCSU ofa goal. Initially failing to save the first shot, he as able to recuperate and kick away the two rapid shots that followed.
The Blue Devils made a hard press into the second period and rallied around the Violets' goal. After what seemed like countless offensive presses, they were able to score their sole goal of the game.
NYU answered back half a period later when junior Brad McGann depositied a quick shot off of a rebound.
While the third period was marked by solid play on the part of CCSU, Matt Weindel's third period goal cemented the NYU win. After that, it became a game of keep-away, with the Blue Devils never catching up.
Friday's game against the Montclair State University Red Hawks was much more subdued. Fewer fans filled the stands to watch NYU have their way with Montclair.
The first period featured slow, strategic play by NYU. A fair share of passing and setting up allowed NYU to score five unanswered goals in the first period and four more in the second.
The only goal Montclair was able to score as on a late, third-period slapshot, the last goal of the game.
Besides a surprise appearance by the NYU Bobcat - visiting from an NYU faculty skating event on the adjoining rink - NYU's role players, who normally get little ice time, provided the game's best highlights.
"You've got to give a lot of credit to them," Nemchek said. "They nomrally don't get to shine out there, but they did a great job."
With the two wins in hand, Coach Lloyd Polanish is already planning for the weeks ahead.
"We're doing good, and we're feeling better," Polanish said. "Now we just need to fine-tune everything, and we're ready."
NYU's next home game is Sunday against Villanova University at Chelsea Piers. Opening faceoff is set for 4 p.m.