By Hannah Iannotti · There is nothing quite like a rival weekend. Tensions run high, stands are packed with fans, and the players are playing for more than just themselve…
There is nothing quite like a rival weekend. Tensions run high, stands are packed with fans, and
the players are playing for more than just themselves. This weekend, November 21st-22nd,
Rowan University Profs D2 Men’s Ice Hockey team is set to take on the Rider University
Broncos. The two teams are a part of the same conference, the Atlantic City Collegiate Hockey
League (ACCHL), and have met countless times before.
On Friday, November 21st, the Profs will travel to Rider for their first game of the weekend,
puck drop is at 8:45. In the final game of the weekend, the Broncos will travel down to Hollydell
Arena to take on the Profs, puck drops at 8:00 on the 22nd. Fans should get there early to pack
the stands.
Last season, the Profs cleaned house against Rider, sweeping them in the two games that they
played against the Broncos. The Profs snapped Rider’s 10-game win streak with a 3-2 victory,
with their sights on a similar outcome this year. Rowan would go on to become the 2024 Admiral
Cup champions, while Rider became the regular season champions.
For many players, this has become personal for them. They target different players, some who
they are personal friends with from playing youth hockey with them, and have a change of pace
throughout the week. Practices become more meaningful and games become more physical.
“I think the tempo is a little higher, expectations are a little higher, throughout the week at
practice the competition levels are a little higher as well,” defenseman Mike Frattaroli said.
4th year forward, Cam Chandler talks about the physicality on the ice. Stating, “they’re physical,
and their goaltending is really good.”
For many on the team, this will be their last rival game with Rider, and they are looking to leave
it all out on the ice. Team Captain, Carter Jones, has faced Rider countless times before, and
knows what kind of atmosphere to expect.
“It’s really cool to look back on these games. There's always a good amount of people, there's
always something dramatic,” Captain Jones said.
Nick Thomas, a center for the Profs, talked about what previous games have been like, regardless
of what each team’s current record is.
“No matter what team is better that year, it's always a close game. These are always fun games to
play,” Thomas said.