Cortland Preseason Recap

Cortland’s first weekend in Division II was filled with highs and lows. The club started the weekend out vs Cornell. The Red Dragons came out and dominated the game from the start going up 6 to 0 in the first period. However the last 2 periods the Red Dragons looked lethargic and lazy they ended up winning the game 9 to 3. Leading the way for Cortland were Gary Krupa and Max stern each notching 3 goals and one assist and Lou Vetri making a solid 19 saves. Cortland realized that if they wanted to beat a tougher Binghamton squad who placed second at regionals last year that they would have to focus more on puck movement and playing smarter hockey. The Red Dragons came out and did exactly what they had planned on doing going up 5 to 1 halfway through the game. However Binghamton scored two quick goals making it 5-3 the Red Dragons ultimately scored 3 more goals winning the game 8-3 in what was the best team win the Cortland squad had ever had. CJ Gilcrest scored 2 goals and had 1 assist Bryan Feiler scored 1 goal and has 2 assists and Chris Fidotta scored twice. That unfortunately was as good as it would get for Cortland as they got slaughtered by what most people would argue is the best division II team in the country in Northeastern. The Cortland team looked at times lost on the rink losing every puck battle to a much harder working Northeastern squad by a score of 10-0. Despite losing to Northeastern the Cortland club did well in its first weekend showing that they are here to compete at a DII level. This week cuts will be made and Cortland will finalize its roster as they prepare for October 27^th which is the first weekend of regular season games the Red Dragons will take on Albany, Binghamton, Niagara, and most notable rival team Oswego. Over these next few weeks the Cortland team looks to prepare for what seems like a very promising season.