The Lions have taken home the cup for their fourth consecutive year!

    After being named regular season Colonial State College Hockey Conference Champions, the team kept that momentum rolling into the playoff weekend. On Saturday, February 15th they faced Rutgers who was the 4th seed in the conference. Rutgers was just coming off of an overtime win against West Chester (5th seed) Friday night while the Lions had a bye. The first period was evenly matched, physical, and scoreless. Sophomore forward Logan Viducic picked up a turnover in the neutral zone and scored on a breakaway roughly halfway through the second period, putting the Lions up 1-0. 

    Even though they were facing a slow start, the Lions were sure to finish strong in the third period. Five minutes in, Sophomore forward Anthony DeAlto scored on a rebound around the crease to create a 2-0 lead. Later into the third period, there were also goals from Sophomore forward Matt Lojewski and Junior forward Dan Martin, assisting the Lions to a 4-0 win. Additional noted players for their effort and assists are Andrew Summa, Mike Hannigan, Kris Hastings, and goalie Mike Lojewski for stopping 29 shots and getting his first playoff shutout. The Lions would advance to the Championship Game for the fifth straight season!.

    The Lions would have to face the University of Pennsylvania on Sunday, February 16th. This is the fifth straight year that the Lions and the Quakers have met in playoffs and now the fifth straight year that the Lions have found a victory over them. The Quakers started off strong in the offensive zone, but that did not stop Hastings from receiving a pass from Lem, scoring a top shelf goal, and giving the Lions a 1-0 lead. In the second period, Jameson Dugan made the score 2-0 after a goal made just inside the far post. Penn answered with a deflected goal, making it 2-1. On the power play, Hastings was able to score his second goal of the game, giving the Lions a 3-1 lead going into the third period.

    The third period was not for the faint of heart. Three minutes into the third Penn scored and made it a one goal game. Penn continued to apply endless pressure throughout the rest of the period but it was not good enough to pass the Lions, allowing them to win their fourth straight Colonial Cup. Additional mentions for assists are DeAlto, and Matt Lojewski. Mike Lojewski’s powerful performance in net with a total of 38 saves played a large factor in leading the Lions to victory.

    Defenceman Jameson Dugan received the playoff MVP award for his continued effort and noted performance in the CSCHC playoffs.

    The Lions are now looking toward the ACHA Southeast Regional Tournament being held at the Lawrenceville School from February 28th through March 1st. TCNJ is ranked the 12th seed and will face the 9th seed, Wake Forest, at 7:30 P.M. on Friday, February 28th. 

The game, along with all games in the tournament will be broadcasted at Lions Hockey Live.