TCNJ Hockey Off to Best Start Since Moving to Division 1
EWING, N.J. — The College of New Jersey Division 1 hockey team is off to a historic start to the 2026-27 season, opening the campaign with a 6-2 record, the program’s best start since making the move from ACHA Division 2 to Division 1.
TCNJ has delivered a series of impressive performances, highlighted by an overtime thriller against Rowan and sweeps of Temple and Sacred Heart.
The Lions opened the season with a tough 7-3 setback against Rowan before responding with a dramatic 6-5 overtime victory in the rematch. TCNJ then established its momentum with a dominant 9-1 victory over Temple, followed by a 5-3 win in the second meeting to complete the sweep.
The Lions continued their strong run against Sacred Heart, earning back-to-back victories of 7-5 and 4-1 to sweep the series. Most recently, TCNJ split a two-game series with William Paterson, falling 5-3 before bouncing back with a convincing 6-2 victory.
Freshmen Making an Immediate Impact
A major reason for TCNJ’s early success has been the production of its newcomers.
Freshman Alex Kotelnikov has emerged as one of the team’s leading offensive weapons, recording 8 goals and 18 points through the first eight games. Kotelnikov has already shown the ability to take over games, including a seven-point performance — three goals and four assists — in TCNJ’s 9-1 victory over Temple.
Fellow freshman Nick Gallo has also made an immediate impact, contributing 3 goals and 15 points. Gallo has consistently found himself involved in the offense, providing both scoring and playmaking throughout the opening stretch.
Junior Josh Kushnir has added 5 goals and 13 points, giving the Lions another consistent scoring threat. Kushnir, Kotelnikov and Gallo have helped establish an offensive attack capable of producing throughout the lineup.
Depth Fueling the Lions
While the top scorers have received plenty of attention, TCNJ’s success has been a true team effort.
The Lions have already had 19 different skaters record at least one point, with 11 players reaching five or more points. That depth has made TCNJ difficult to defend and has allowed the team to receive contributions from every part of its lineup.
The balanced scoring attack was evident in the team’s early wins. Against Temple, for example, TCNJ received goals from multiple lines and special-teams units while Kotelnikov, Gallo and Kushnir all played major roles.
Strong Play in Net
TCNJ has also received dependable goaltending from Christian Esposito and Nathan Mayer.
Esposito has provided stability between the pipes, including a 34-save performance in the 9-1 win over Temple. Mayer has also been called upon during the early-season schedule and has helped the Lions navigate several competitive games, including the 5-3 victory over Temple.
Building on a Breakthrough
TCNJ’s Division 1 program moved up from Division 2 ahead of the 2022-23 season and now competes in the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League. The Lions have continued to establish themselves at the Division 1 level, and the 6-2 start represents another significant step forward for the program.
With scoring depth, strong goaltending and contributions from players throughout the lineup, the Lions have put themselves in an excellent position early in the 2026-27 campaign.
At 6-2, TCNJ has made it clear that this season could be a special one — and the Lions are just getting started.
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