Rye Hockey Wins League Title with Historic Road Victory

The Rye High School hockey team made history on February 13, pulling off something their program hadn't done since 2000: beating Suffern on the road.

The 5-4 victory clinched the league title and completed a season sweep of the Mounties, capping what Head Coach Pete Thomas called one of the grittiest performances he's ever witnessed. The win secured home ice advantage throughout the sectional tournament for the Garnets, who now stand at 14-2-3.

The odds weren't in Rye's favor heading into the final period. Suffern had scored two quick goals to close the first, and the Garnets were playing with just four healthy defensemen for most of the game. But the young team didn't fold under pressure.

Will Weinman, Jake Souza, Julian Levinson, and Aiden Lynch held down the defensive corps, combining for four points while keeping Rye's championship hopes alive. Levinson tallied three primary assists while Weinman added one, both moving the puck with precision despite being stretched thin.

The offense came alive when it mattered most. Brothers Finn and Ryan Draddy combined for three goals, with Finn netting two. Connor Dehmer added another score, and Colin Nigro buried the game-winner on a power play that sent the Garnets' bench into celebration.

Why This Inspires

This win represents more than a trophy. When adversity struck with injuries and an early deficit, these teenagers responded with resilience instead of panic. They trusted each other, stuck to their game plan, and refused to let a 20-year losing streak define their season.

Coach Thomas's pride wasn't just about the scoreboard. It was about watching young athletes dig deep and discover what they're capable of when everything's on the line. That lesson will carry them far beyond the ice.

The Garnets have one final regular season game against Rye Country Day on February 19. But they'll step onto that ice as league champions, having already accomplished something their program will remember for years.