By Amanda Trusky

Your IceCats are back! After a long off-season, a competitive week of tryouts, and a few practices later, Villanova Men’s Ice Hockey Team was ready for their home opening weekend.

The weekend began with a home/home series against Rutgers University. On Friday night, Villanova hosted Rutgers at Hatfield Ice.

The first period was tight as both teams battled to make it on the scoreboard, but neither could seem to pull the trigger. Rutgers opened up the second period strong with two back-to-back goals within the first two minutes. Their lead was short-lived as Villanova responded with two goals just a minute later. Villanova’s Timothy Arena and Jack Merecki both found the back of the net, earning their first college hockey goals! Just before the end of the period, Rutgers scored a shorthanded goal, breaking the tie.

Villanova fought hard in the third period of play, but they were unable to catch up to Rutgers’ lead as they scored three more goals. The final score of the game was a 6-2 loss for Villanova. Rutgers outshot Villanova 33 to 46. The 2017-2018 MVP of the ECHA playoffs, junior goalie John Persichilli, was in goal.

On Saturday afternoon, the IceCats trekked over to Rutgers’ home rink, ProSkate, in South Brunswick, NJ. The boys opened up the game with a goal by sophomore Joey Duffy. Rutgers was also able to score a goal in the first period, resulting in a first period tie.

During the second period, both teams scored one more goal. Villanova’s goal was scored by junior George Clark on a 5 on 3 powerplay, assisted by freshman Timothy Arena. Rutgers dominated most of the third period due to the Icecats penalty troubles, scoring three more goals. Villanova scored the last goal of the game, courtesy of junior Joe Desimone.

In the end, the IceCats were unable to catch up to Rutgers. The final score was a 5-3 loss. Villanova was outshot 41-32. Freshman Ajay Fernandez was in goal for the night for his college hockey debut.

Villanova showed up to their home game on Sunday afternoon against Cornell University ready to earn their first win of the season. The IceCats had an outstanding first period, shutting out Cornell and scoring 5 goals! Villanova’s goals were scored by Brett Mackell (2), Tim Matthews, David Troiano, and Joe Desimone.

Villanova put in two more goals in the second period, scored by freshman Jack Merecki and senior Jim Conway. During the third period, Cornell scored one goal, making the final score of the game a 7-1 win for the Icecats! Villanova outshot Cornell 35 to 15, with Persichilli in net, earning his first win of the season.

Freshman Timothy Arena put up an unbelievable 4 assists in Sunday’s performance and is now tied for the team lead in points with junior defenseman Brett Mackell.

Come out to support the IceCats this weekend during the City Six Tournament at Hatfield Ice on Saturday and Sunday. Times and opponents are subject to the outcomes of the Friday night games.