Saturday Shakeups: Final Matchups Set After Semifinal Surges

by ECHC Communications

February 22, 2025 – Shelton, CT
Championship Sunday is locked in after a dramatic Saturday at the ECHC Conference Playoffs. Teams across all three divisions delivered standout performances, thrilling comebacks, and statement wins as the final round of the postseason came into focus.

🔮 PURPLE DIVISION (DI)

🏆 Delaware Stuns Fairfield in the Final Seconds

In a back-and-forth battle, (3) University of Delaware stunned (2) Fairfield University (DI) with a last-minute goal to secure a 5-4 win and a trip to the Purple Division final. Griffen O’Shaughnessy scored the game-winner with 8:47 left in regulation, capping off a two-goal night for the Blue Hens.

Delaware’s offense came alive behind goals from five different skaters, overcoming a 4-3 third-period deficit in a high-energy finish.

🏆 Overtime Heroics Lift Farmingdale Past Quinnipiac

Earlier in the day, top-seeded Farmingdale State (DI) survived a scare from (4) Quinnipiac, earning a 4-3 overtime victory. Sean O'Donnell delivered the game-winner just 17 seconds left in OT, after tying the game earlier in the third.

The Rams now return to the Purple Division final, set for a heavyweight clash against a red-hot Delaware squad.

⚫ BLACK DIVISION (DII)

🏆 Farmingdale Rolls Past Ramapo to Reach the Final

Farmingdale State (DII) flexed its depth in a 6-2 win over (4) Ramapo, jumping out early with three first-period goals and controlling play throughout. Luke Ferazi powered the attack with two goals and an assist, while the Rams’ defense held strong under pressure.

🏆 Columbia Buries Sacred Heart in Statement Win

(2) Columbia University made a resounding statement with an 8-3 rout of (3) Sacred Heart. The Lions lit the lamp early and often, with three first-period goals setting the tone.

Columbia’s offense stayed relentless, punching their ticket to the Black Division final against top-seeded Farmingdale.

⚪ SILVER DIVISION (DIII)

🏆 Rutgers Overwhelms New Haven in Semifinal Surge

Top-seeded Rutgers looked every bit the favorite in a commanding 6-2 win over (4) New Haven. The Scarlet Knights scored three goals in the opening period and added three more across the final forty minutes.

David Vaysberg and Gavin Rieger each notched multi-point performances, setting Rutgers up for a championship battle.

🏆 Stony Brook Downs Fairfield to Earn Title Shot

(3) Stony Brook continued its postseason push with a decisive 6-2 victory over (2) Fairfield (DIII). Brandon Gerstein and Daniel Sorkin led the charge with two goals apiece, helping the Seawolves take control in the third period.

Stony Brook will now square off against Rutgers in a must-watch DIII title clash.

🔜 Championship Sunday Matchups

Purple Division (DI):

  • (1) Farmingdale State vs. (3) Delaware

Black Division (DII):

  • (1) Farmingdale State vs. (2) Columbia

Silver Division (DIII):

  • (1) Rutgers vs. (3) Stony Brook

The stage is set. One more day. Three champions to crown.

Photo Credit: Amelia Cordova I @cordovaclicks (IG), Kevin Psomas I @psomasproductions (IG)