The boys ice hockey team has had an exceptional start to their season, showing incredible depth on both ends of the ice. This has been the foundation for a series of strong wins, leading to an admirable 3-1-2 record as of press time.

Among these wins was their first home game of the season, played against Watchung Hills shortly before winter break, on Friday, Dec. 16. The game was yet another excellent showing for the team, with the Rams enjoying a 6-2 win.

At the game, the Rams ended the first period with a 4-0 lead. Zach Gallo and Jack Rueff finished the period with two goals from a collection of assists from Jase Zangara, Jack Barry, Ashton Feinberg and Ryan Potanovich. With an impressive showing in just a 15-minute stint, the team was able to put multiple names on the stat sheet, proving again why this team has so much talent.

Coming into the second period, Gallo put in another quick goal off an assist from Barry. Watchung Hills answered this goal much later in the period, bringing the score to 5-1. In the final period, Gallo put another in the back of the net, with the assist going to newcomers Ryan Thomas and Vincent Crisafulli. Watchung Hills scored once more to make the final score 6-2, but it was too late for them, as the Rams pulled away with another decisive victory.

Not only was the offensive power for Randolph strong, but so was the defense. Senior captain Connor Thomas ended the game with 21 saves on 23 shots. Thomas returned to play this season with plenty of varsity experience and continues to lead the team to these vast wins.

Junior Ashton Feinberg has been another standout defensive player for the Rams this year, taking on a significant leadership role after losing some prominent leaders on the defensive end last season. When asked about helping the big group of newcomers adjust to varsity, Feinberg said, “We got a tradition at Randolph hockey, and that’s something we upperclassmen want to show for the younger kids. They are adjusting well, and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”

As the Rams have put a target on their back early in the season as the team to beat, other teams will surely be chasing them down in games to come. The team has started strong and plans to continue that streak throughout the season.

“After not getting the finish that we wanted at the end of the year last year, the three wins really helped us get back to where we want to be. We still have a lot of work to do, but these three wins are important,” Feinberg said.

It will be necessary for this young team to keep the momentum going to continue the success. The Rams get to take another shot at victory tonight @Morristown at 8 p.m.

Congratulations to the boys ice hockey team on a great start to the season.