By Andrew Cote · The Rowan University Profs controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting Rider University’s Broncs 54-32 to secure a decisive 4-1 victory on…
The Rowan University Profs controlled the game from start to finish, outshooting Rider University’s Broncs 54-32 to secure a decisive 4-1 victory on Friday night at Tsai Ice Center.
Coming into the contest riding a four-game winning streak against Rider, the Profs wasted no time setting the tone with their physical play. Rowan’s Conor Milliken delivered a solid hit on Jaxon Call, followed by Brian Bowman driving Brayden Turner into the boards. The message was clear: this rivalry game on alumni night would not be an easy one for the Broncs.
What more could you want from a heated matchup between two longtime foes?
The Profs paired their physicality with relentless offensive pressure, testing Rider’s goalie Trevor Giwerowski early and often. Giwerowski entered the night needing just 22 saves to break Rider’s all-time saves record, a milestone that had stood for a decade. Rowan generated quality chances right from the start, but the 5-foot-10 netminder was up to the challenge, stopping all 15 first-period shots to keep the game scoreless.
Midway through the second period, Giwerowski made history, officially becoming Rider’s all-time saves leader.
Rowan’s offensive pressure only intensified as the second period got underway, aided by a power-play opportunity. While Rider managed to kill off the initial penalty, a subsequent unsportsmanlike conduct call put the Broncs back on the penalty kill. This time, Rowan capitalized. Nick Thomas broke the scoreless tie with a wrist shot from the high slot, giving the Profs a 1-0 lead.
Rider responded with a surge in momentum, earning a 5-on-3 power play for 39 seconds following two minor penalties, including a controversial roughing call against James Zangara. The call drew heated protests from Rowan’s bench, with head coach Brien Bennett receiving a warning from the referee.
"It was just a misunderstanding. We saw the play differently, and ultimately we were able to make the personnel change we were looking for." - Coach Bennett
Despite the adversity, Rowan’s penalty kill stood firm, shutting down the Broncs' power play. The final moments of the second period were marked by end-to-end action, with both teams trading scoring chances.
Giwerowski’s heroics kept Rider in the game as the third period began, but the Broncs finally broke through. Jake Bennert picked up speed through the neutral zone on an outlet pass, gained body position on a Profs defenseman, and slipped the puck past Jacob Booth to tie the game at 1-1.
Rowan wasted no time reclaiming the lead. Just 1:59 later, Milliken found Zangara in the slot, and Zangara buried it to make it 2-1. The Profs extended their lead with a spectacular short-handed goal from Bowman, who dangled past a defender with a highlight-reel deke before finishing on the backhand. The goal, Bowman’s fourth of the season, pushed Rowan ahead 3-1 and effectively put the game out of reach.
From there, Rowan focused on shutting down Rider’s offense, clogging the neutral zone with brown and yellow jerseys. Following Bowman’s goal, Rider managed just one shot on goal in the final 6:09 of play.
The Broncs pulled Giwerowski in a last-ditch effort, but Cameron Chandler capitalized on the empty net, tying Thomas for the team lead in goals with seven and sealing the Profs’ 4-1 victory.
The win was a much-needed statement for Rowan as they kicked off their back-to-back series against Rider. The Profs will look to carry the same intensity into the rematch Saturday night at Hollydell Ice Arena, with puck drop set for 8:00 p.m.