Rye Hockey Wins First State Championship

When it mattered most, Rye left no doubt which high school hockey team was best, not just in the section, but in the entire state.

With a 5-1 win Sunday in Buffalo, the Garnets captured the program’s first state title and avenged a section championship loss to Byram Hills.

After falling to the Bobcats in overtime two weeks ago, the Garnets survived a gauntlet against the top contenders in New York’s Division 2 state tournament, defeating section champions from Aquinas and Clarence. The team never looked better than it did in Sunday’s commanding victory.

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Senior Jamie Morris, and sophomores Max Niejadlik and Colin Nigro, all scored first-period goals to give Rye a 3-1 lead. The Garnets outshot their familiar Section 1 foes 26-5 in the opening period.

Senior Will Weinman added to Rye’s lead in the second period, and sophomore Finn Draddy put the finishing touches on the rout with a third-period score.

With 15 section titles, eight trips to the state semifinals, and one previous state appearance — in 1982 — Rye’s hockey tradition is strong. But on Sunday, the program reached a new high-water mark, completing a dream season as the unquestioned top team in Division 2 hockey.

Visit ryerecord.com later for more details on Sunday’s state championship victory.