BY DAMANI CARTER // FEB. 20, 2016 //

The Curry men’s hockey team is preparing for its last regular season game, taking on the Endicott Gulls this afternoon at 4:45 at the Ulin Memorial Rink.

Although the Colonels have lost their last two games, and the Gulls have won their last three games, head coach TJ Manastersky feels confident in his team’s ability to go out and win. The Colonels won their last match against the Gulls 5-2, finishing explosively by scoring four out of their five goals during the last period.

When asked about his game plan for today’s game, coach Manastersky explained that he is looking to continue what gave the Colonels success in the last contest with the Gulls. “They are a skilled offensive team with good forwards, so what we want to do is limit their space and pressure their forwards” said coach Manastersky. 

On an offensive note, Manastersky mentioned that he would like his players to “crowd and hover” over opposing goalie Kevin Aldridge, who is a smaller goalie and that will prevent him from seeing the puck.

This upcoming match can land the Colonels in the postseason with a win and a loss or tie for Becker against Western New England. 

Coach Manastersky poured out his frustration about the regular season when questioned about how the hopes of making the postseason will affect his recruiting process. “Even if we were to win our conference and the NCAA tournament, we didn’t come close to having the season we all wanted to have so we will definitely be recruiting once the off-season arrives,” he said.

With only two seniors graduating this year, the Colonels look to have most of their team back. But as coach Manastersky said, “nobody’s job is ever safe,” because he wants his players to continue to improve on their game and not get comfortable.  

Hopefully with the good week of practice and home advantage, the Colonels will pull out the victory against the Gulls.