Pioneers' ACHA ACDC B Historic First Playoff Appearance Sets the Standard for What Comes NextÂ
On Friday, February 20, 2026 (5:45 PM), Sacred Heart Men's Club Hockey played in the first playoff game in program history, skating in an MCHC quarterfinal at The Ice Hutch in Mount Vernon, NYÂ against Stony Brook University. As the #4 seed, Sacred Heart was designated as the home team against the #5 seed Stony Brook University, and the moment delivered everything you want from postseason hockey: elite pace, heavy defensive plays, and phenomenal goaltending on both ends. The MCHC created a first-class playoff environment, and the teams were evenly matched from start to finish in a game that felt destined to come down to the game's final moments.
Sacred Heart's scoring started in the first period when #12
Alex Kurowski finished a play set up by #6
Evan Vadola. In the second period, #13
Scott Podstupka added another, burying a one-time powerplay chance created by #7 Tim Ouellette and #14 Zach Donahue. In the third, #28
Ben Hepler found the back of the net off assists from #36 Dillon Seals and #23
Chris Hahn, keeping the Pioneers locked in as the game tightened late. With the contest tied in the final moments of regulation, Stony Brook recovered a loose puck in their zone, transitioned quickly, and scored as time expired to win and advance. A tough ending to a season that showed how close this group is to breaking through.
Head Coach
Steve Minichini said, "That's a hard way to finish because our guys earned the right to win that game, but in playoff hockey, it often comes down to one or two plays that make the difference in the outcome of the game. But I couldn't be more proud of what this team built in our first full season. We grew as a unit, we learned how to manage momentum, and we learned what it takes to stay connected when the game gets tight. That's the foundation of winning hockey, and we're going to build on it. I also want to recognize our graduating seniors; #17 Dan McNavich Jr., #10
Alex Goffredo, and #16
Chris Romano, because they helped set the standard for this program. They led through their actions every day, they competed the right way, and they leave behind a culture that the next group will carry forward. Tonight ends our season, but it doesn't end what we're building. We'll take this experience, we'll get better, and we'll be ready next year."
Sacred Heart Scoring Summary
Photo Credit: @filmsreese
