It was a roller coaster season for Randolph Boys Ice Hockey, filled with big statement wins over rivals and ranked opponents and surprising loses. After three tremendous victories against Hillsborough, No. 11 Seton Hall Prep and Montville, the Rams suffered an upset against No. 6 Ramapo in the NJSIAA state quarterfinal round. 

The season marks the end of the high school hockey careers of seniors in the Class of 2016. Through their four years they achieved a 2024 Mennen Cup Championship, were named conference champions and made multiple NJSIAA sectional championship appearances. 

Here is a look at more 2025-2026 season highlights. 

Dec. 9 Randolph dominates Morris Knolls 6-3 in Mennen divisional game 

The Rams faced off against Morris Knolls at Mennen Arena. This game was anticipated by many, as it is a rivalry game. 

The game was tight in the opening frame, but senior captain Shane Melly broke the tie, finding the back of the net assisted by Peter Psaras and Bryson Findling. The Rams followed it with a two-point second period from Psaras and S. Melly again. In the third period, the flood gates opened for the Rams, who scored three goals, making the final score 6-3. 

Jan. 7 Randolph beats No. 14 Northern Highlands 7-5. 

The Rams offense stole the show against No. 18 Northern Highlands. This game is personal to the Rams after falling to the Highlanders in the 2023 sectional finals. 

The Rams saw themselves leading after the first period, 2-1. Captains S. Melly and Vinny Crisafulli carried the offensive load scoring both goals.

Feb. 9 Randolph falls to Kinnelon 5–4 in Mennen Cup semifinal 

Randolph opened the Mennen Cup semifinal flying, erupting four first-period goals to take early control against Kinnelon at Mennen Arena. S. Melly led the charge with two goals and two assists, while senior Keegan Melly and junior Findling also found the back of the net during an offensive surge late in the opening frame. 

After building a 4–2 lead heading into the second period, momentum shifted as Kinnelon responded with three unanswered goals across the final two periods. The Colts powered the comeback with two goals and two assists, including the eventual game-winner on a third-period power play. Kinnelon edged out a 5–4 win and advanced to the final. For the second year in a row, the Rams were sent home early in the Mennen Cup semifinals. 

“Everyone knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game,” junior Josh Beasley said. “We haven’t beaten them all year, and I think everyone was motivated but, in the end, they wanted it more.”

Feb. 17 Randolph rallies late to defeat Seton Hall Prep 5–4 

Facing a strong non-conference opponent, Randolph battled back from a late deficit to earn a dramatic 5–4 victory over Seton Hall Prep at Codey Arena.  

Senior Ryan Thomas opened the scoring in the first period before sophomore Justin Kinnier and S. Melly kept Randolph within reach during a chaotic middle frame. In the third period, K. Melly tied the game before S. Melly buried the game-winner in the final minute to complete the comeback. 

“This was a big momentum and confidence boost for us as a whole heading into states,” S. Melly said. 

Feb. 24 No. 3 Randolph rolls past No. 14 Montville 7–1 in NJSIAA Tournament opener 

“I feel like we have to use the game as motivation instead of dragging us down,” sophomore goalie Zach Levesque said. “We can’t let it drag us down.” 

Randolph carried its momentum into the NJSIAA North Public sectional tournament, cruising to a 7–1 first-round victory over Montville on Tuesday Feb. 24 at Sports Care Arena. The Rams built an early lead behind goals from Crisafulli and S. Melly before pulling away with a dominant third period. 

K. Melly delivered another hat trick, while Psaras added two goals and two assists in one of his strongest games of the season. S. Melly finished with a goal and three assists, continuing a stretch of high-impact performances. 

Levesque turned aside 15 shots on net, and Randolph’s offense erupted four third-period goals to seal the decisive playoff win and advance to the next round. 

Feb. 26 No. 3 Randolph falls to No. 6 Ramapo 4-2 in NJSIAA Tournament quarter final round.

No. 3 Randolph Rams fell to No. 6 Ramapo 4-2 at Sports Care Arena in the NJSIAA state tournament quarterfinals. The Ramapo Raiders owned the puck in the first period, scoring the lone goal and ending the opening frame with a one-goal lead. The Rams answered back on a powerplay. Crisafulli finished the goal assisted by S. Melly and Findling. In the final frame, Ramapo scored the go-ahead goal forcing the Rams hand. The Rams offense was shut down and could not find a way to tie the game back up, resulting in an early exit, 4-2.