By Eric Czerwonka · Rowan University vs. West Chester University. Sewell, N.J. Friday, Dec. 13 , 2025. (The Goalfather Photography) Rowan’s Men’s DII Ice Hockey team (17…
Rowan University vs. West Chester University. Sewell, N.J. Friday, Dec. 13 , 2025. (The Goalfather Photography)
Rowan’s Men’s DII Ice Hockey team (17-5-2) surged in the third period for a 5-4 comeback win against West Chester University’s DII team at Hollydell Ice Arena.
Coming into the third period, Rowan was down a pair of goals to West Chester University.
That was until, within the first three minutes of the third period, the Profs scored two goals.
The comeback started with a putback goal by sophomore forward Max Findley, after senior assistant captain and defenseman Riley Rudolp fired a shot to the net.
Just two minutes later, sophomore forward Evan Shuster would get his chance, after a loose rebound was put right in front of Shuster’s stick, and he was able to seal the deal.
“We were working at it, I just saw where the play was going,” said Shuster. “I got to my spot in front and just waited for it.”
This is Shuster’s fourth goal of the year, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“We weren’t really adjusted in the first period,” said Shuster. “We adjusted our forecheck and neutral zone play, and we just did what we had to do to win.”
Three minutes later at the 14 minute mark, sophomore assistant captain and forward Brian Bowman would shoot an absolute laser, going top shelf to put the Profs on top.
West Chester wouldn’t go down without a fight though, as the third period was closing, they would tie the game with six minutes to go.
But neither would Rowan, as they have shown countless times throughout the season. And with three minutes to go in the third period, freshman forward Riley Capecci would put one in the back of West Chester’s net. This would ultimately be the game winning goal.
But Rowan freshman goalie Dayton Payne also played a huge part in the win tonight, especially down the stretch in the third period as he made huge saves to prevent West Chester tying the game or taking the lead.
After going down three goals to the Golden Rams, Payne didn’t let it get to him.
“I kept my head in the game,” said Payne. “Not letting the small goals and small little mistakes here and there get to me.”
Rowan now looks to Jan 10 for their second game against Rider University, which will be an outdoor game at Spring Mountain Adventures.
“It’s definitely cool having an outdoor game,” said freshman forward Griffin Meyer. “But we just gotta treat it like every other game, and get the job done at the end of the day.”