September marked the first time the Lions hit the ice in 18 months, here is a recap of the action.
Friday, September 10th at Lehigh University D1
Freshman goalie Michael Bussanich anchored the Lions to their first win in over 500 days, making 43 saves in the 4-2 win. Upperclassmen Andrew Summa, a goal and 10 blocked shots and Anthony DeAlto with two goals led the way up front.
Saturday, September 11th vs Lehigh University D1
Junior goalie Justin Cooper, a transfer from Temple University was excellent in his first college start making 42 saves. Junior forward Sean Leonard scored the lone goal but the Mountain Hawks would take this game early in overtime, 2-1.
Friday, September 17th at William Paterson University D1
The Pioneers would jump out early, taking a 3-1 lead into the second period and early in the second would increase it to 4-1. TCNJ would answer though, scoring a power play goal in the second period and then Anthony DeAlto would finish the hat trick with 6 minutes left in the third. The comeback would fall just short, with William Paterson coming away with the 4-3 win. Justin Cooper was strong in net again, making 34 saves.
Sunday, September 19th vs William Paterson University D1
TCNJ would again fall behind early as the Pioneers would take a three-goal lead into the second period. Glen Puzo would score to cut the lead to two but William Paterson would answer and eventually take a 5-1 lead early in the third period. Defenseman Chris Cantelmo would score in the third but the Lions would fall 5-2. Goalie Michael Bussanich was excellent, making 53 saves.
Friday, September 24th at Princeton University
The Lions opened up their Colonial league schedule with a matchup against the Tigers in historic Hobey Baker rink. After a scoreless first period, TCNJ would take the lead when Anthony DeAlto and Andrew Summa teamed up for a pair of goals. Princeton scored a power play goal but the Lions answer shortly thereafter with another goal from DeAlto. Senior goalie Nick Montemarano would make that hold up, making 10 saves in the 3-1 win.
Saturday, September 25th vs Villanova University D1
The Wildcats would jump on TCNJ in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals and taking control of the game. The Lions would take a five minute penalty but Andrew Summa would score shorthanded, flipping the momentum of the game. TCNJ would tie the game early in the third with goals from Sean Leonard and senior Patrick Willever. Nova would retake the lead on a power play goal but Summa would tie the game with a late power play goal. After a scoreless overtime, Villanova would win the shootout and take the game 5-4. Bussanich made 32 saves in the loss.