Randolph Boys Ice Hockey stifled the Ramapo Raiders by a score of 3-0 on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at SportsCare Arena in Randolph.
The tough Ramapo opponent, who had a 6-1-1 record since the start of the 2024 calendar year, ended the Rams’ season last year in the second round of the state playoffs. The Randolph squad that has become so accustomed to their winning ways this season, did not back away from the fight they knew was ahead of them, however.
“We played a great game, and the guys really locked it down in the final period,” Head Coach Rich McLaughlin said.
“This game was personal for us,” senior captain Ashton Feinberg said. “They ended our season last year, kicked us out in our home rink. Everyone used that for motivation.”
After a scoreless first period, junior captain Jase Zangara did what he does best, shifting through the defense and finding the back of the net, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead.
A quick offensive onslaught by Ramapo was thwarted by the Randolph defense and senior goaltender John Krynicki, who picked up his fourth shutout of the year.
The Rams doubled their lead when sophomore Vincent Crisafulli knocked home a rebound off a shot from junior Isaac Stock.
“It just bounced off my body and in. Right place; right time,” Crisafulli said.
Tempers flared as the second period expired, sending two players from each team into the penalty box to start the final period.
The Rams’ revenge game was not yet over, but it sure seemed like it as the Randolph defense gave up zero shots in the entire final period. An empty netter from sophomore Ryan Thomas was the final dagger, sending the Rams to their 16thwin of the season.
The win also marked a huge milestone for Rich McLaughin, who, after 31 years as head coach at Randolph, collected his 500th career win, only the fourth coach to earn that honor.
“It’s obviously an awesome achievement, but I have to give credit to all the players and the different coaches who have all come through during my time here,” McLaughlin said.
The now 16-0-1 Rams will look to get their coach to 501 career wins tonight, Feb. 2, when they wrap up their regular season in a huge test against divisional rival Chatham, at 5:45 p.m. at SportsCare Arena in Randolph.
