The Sacred Heart University Men's ACHA ACDC B Club Ice Hockey Team continued its up-and-down early-season trend this past weekend, falling 6-3 to the University of Albany on Friday night before storming back with a decisive 6-2 victory Sunday at home against division rival Hofstra University.
Albany, NY & Fairfield, CT — October 24, 2025
Friday Night: Solid Effort Falls Short in Albany
The Pioneers traveled north for a 7 p.m. puck drop at the Albany County Hockey Facility to take on a program that had handled them soundly last season, 12-2. From the outset, Sacred Heart looked far more composed and competitive. The first period was fast-paced and physical, featuring strong goaltending from freshman #30 Anthony Geloso and several high-quality scoring chances on both sides.
Albany opened the scoring midway through the period, but Sacred Heart answered quickly. #3 John Annis netted his second goal of the season at 11:07, assisted by #10 Zach Donahue and #22 Joe Capitano. Moments later, #33 Alex Kurowski buried his fourth of the season from the high slot, assisted by #13 Scott Podstupka and #34 Alex Sullivan. With just 17 seconds remaining in the period, #16 Chris Romano scored his first of the year on an unassisted wrist shot in tight, giving Sacred Heart a 3-1 lead heading into intermission.
The second period remained even in pace and chances, but penalties again proved costly. The Pioneers spent extended stretches shorthanded, allowing Albany to seize momentum and tie the game 3-3 heading into the third.
The deadlock held until late in regulation, when Albany broke through to take a 4-3 lead. Pushing aggressively to equalize, Sacred Heart pushed its defense into the rush, but Albany capitalized twice more in the closing minutes to secure the 6-3 win. While the result stung, it was a markedly stronger performance than a year ago — evidence of the team's continued growth.
Sunday Night: Statement Win in the Home Opener
Two nights later, the Pioneers returned home to the Martire Family Arena for their long-awaited home opener against Hofstra University — one of the division's top programs and a team riding a strong recent streak. From the drop of the puck, Sacred Heart took command.
The Pioneers dominated possession and outshot Hofstra 17-3 midway through the first period, though it was the visitors who struck first to make it 1-0. Undeterred, Sacred Heart maintained relentless offensive pressure and was rewarded in the final seconds of the period when #28 Ben Hepler scored on assists from #4 Evan Vadola and #16 Chris Hahn, sending the game into the intermission tied 1-1.
The second period was all Sacred Heart. #21 Joey Letizia scored unassisted at 16:11 to give the Pioneers their first lead. A few minutes later, #14 Zach Donahue extended the margin on a power-play goal from #13 Scott Podstupka and #4 Evan Vadola, and Hepler added his second of the night with a pinpoint wrist shot through the Hofstra goaltender's five-hole to make it 4-1 heading into the third.
In the final period, #7 Tim Ouellette scored off a setup from #20 Ben Bajzath Jr. to push the lead to 5-1. Hofstra responded quickly with a goal of its own, but Sacred Heart's defense tightened, and goaltender #31 Tyler Armagan made several key saves to preserve the advantage. With under a minute remaining, Ouellette struck again on a feed from #14 Zach Donahue to seal a dominant 6-2 victory.
The win marked the team's most complete effort of the season, featuring contributions from all four lines, steady defensive play, and strong goaltending.
Head Coach Steve Minichini praised his team's response and resilience:
"What I'm most proud of is how this group responded after Friday's loss. They stayed composed, trusted each other, and played the brand of hockey we know we're capable of. That's the standard moving forward."
After the game, Alternate Captain Dan McNavich Jr. reflected:
"We're proud of the win tonight against Hofstra, but we've got to stop splitting weekends. This group is capable of much more, and it starts with bringing more energy and consistency every time we hit the ice. Next weekend's games are our only focus as we get back to work in practice this week."
With Sunday's victory, the Pioneers gained a key divisional win and valuable momentum heading into their upcoming two-game series against Stony Brook University. The team continues to show that when it plays disciplined, team-first hockey, it can compete with — and beat — the best in the division.
Photo Credit: @filmsreese