By Eric Czerwonka · Rowan skates on the ice against TCNJ. Sewell, N.J. Saturday, Sep. 19, 2026. (The Goalfather Photography) The Rowan University Men’s Division II Ice H…
Rowan skates on the ice against TCNJ. Sewell, N.J. Saturday, Sep. 19, 2026. (The Goalfather Photography)
The Rowan University Men’s Division II Ice Hockey team dropped its first game of the season, 6-5, in overtime, against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) Men’s Division I team on Saturday night.
The Profs wrapped up their back-to-back at Hollydell Ice Arena this week, as they also split the season series against the Lions with one win apiece.
TCNJ defenseman Rocco Malandro was able to find the back of the net off of a rebound right in front of the net.
Nearing the end of the third, TCNJ scored two goals to tie at five each.
The Profs struggled mightily during stretches of the game, allowing TCNJ to take as much advantage as they could.
“We know what our problem is; it’s consistency,” said assistant coach Ian Kliewe. “It’s not that we’re not a good team. It’s just that can we recreate the same thing over and over again.”
Penalties continued to hurt Rowan, as one of the two goals scored was off of the TCNJ power play.
“One of the things is, we can’t be going to the box all the time,” said Kliewe. “We know what the problem is , now can we fix it.”
Consisting of a roster mostly of freshmen and sophomores, mistakes are bound to happen for the young roster.
“It’s one of those things that you got to know where things went wrong and build off it,” said Kliewe. “And that’s the benefit, and also the weakness of a young team is that you have time to fix these things.”
Freshmen Jack Colfer and Justin Zapata each scored their first goals of the season, and as a Prof.
Junior Brian Bowman had a multi-goal night, netting two goals, and sophomore Anthony Cassese got his second goal in two days, along with adding an assist.
Rowan looks to bounce back next week, when they will take on High Point University’s D-II team for another back-to-back at home.