Farmingdale State College: Chasing Its Crown Jewel

Few organizations in AAU College Hockey carry the same prestige as Farmingdale State College. With countless accolades, consistency within the Top-10 of the National Rankings, and an enviable record of success, the Rams have set a standard of excellence. Yet, one thing continues to elude this storied program: a National Championship.

The Rams boast a staggering resume, with 9 Top-8 finishes at Nationals, two Top-4 appearances, and an impressive 8 ECHC Conference Championships. They captured titles in 2009-10, 2012-13, and a dominant stretch from 2014-22, with five straight championships between 2014-19 and another in 2021-22. However, Farmingdale now finds itself in uncharted territory—enduring the longest championship drought in ECHC history. As they approach the second half of the 2024-25 season, the Rams are determined to reclaim their spot atop the conference and finally capture that elusive National Championship.

The Record Speaks For Itself

While the Rams haven’t secured an ECHC title in the past two seasons, their consistency has been undeniable.

2022-23 Season
Farmingdale entered the intersession break at 10-6-1-1, a solid record, but their second semester didn’t carry the same momentum. A 3-1-1 finish post-break wasn’t enough to propel them to conference glory, as they fell in the opening round to Ramapo College of New Jersey in the ECHC playoffs. At Nationals, however, the Rams showed their strength. They advanced to the quarterfinals with three dominant pool-play wins but were bested by rival Fairfield University in a tight contest, ending their championship hopes.

2023-24 Season
The Rams rebounded with a remarkable regular season, boasting a 13-4-3-1 record heading into the break. After the break, they surged to a 7-1 record, fueled by stellar play, midseason additions, and veteran leadership. But their postseason once again ended in heartbreak. Farmingdale appeared poised to reclaim their conference crown, carrying a lead deep into the game against Fairfield. However, costly mistakes and Fairfield's relentless pressure allowed the Stags to claw back, forcing overtime. In the extra frame, Fairfield capitalized on a defensive lapse, leaving the Rams to endure a heartbreaking defeat and extending their conference championship drought. Despite an overtime loss in the ECHC Finals, they turned their attention to Nationals, where they reached the semifinals. A thrilling run ended in a loss to the University at Buffalo, leaving Farmingdale tantalizingly close to the ultimate prize.

2024-25 Season
This season, the Rams look poised for another deep run. They’ve stormed into the intersession break with an impressive 13-3-1-1 record, once again proving why they’re a perennial powerhouse. With their sights set on ending their ECHC championship drought and making another run at Nationals, Farmingdale is in prime position to capitalize on its potential.

The Road Ahead

As Farmingdale enters the second half of the 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on whether they can end their conference title drought and finally capture the championship that has eluded them for so long. With their winning tradition and a team determined to make history, the Rams are ready to chase greatness once more.

This may be their year to turn heartbreak into triumph and solidify their legacy as one of the greatest programs in non-varsity hockey history.

Photo Credit: Dave Stufflebeam I @aztekphotos (Instagram)