The Roger Williams University Men’s Ice Hockey team opened their season in style on Friday night, sporting new uniforms and playing under first-year coach Edward Silva. The Hawks delivered an impressive 9-2 victory over Central Connecticut State University  (CCSU) in their home opener, with Grady Chretien (5) leading the charge with four goals. 

Chrietien opened the scoring just minutes into the first period, assisted by Alex Forward. 

The duo’s chemistry was on full display when Chrieten scored again shortly after, pushing RWU to a 2-0 lead with another assist from Forward. Chretien completed a natural hat trick before the first period before the first period ended, assisted by Marco Santagati and Forward, giving the Hawks a 3-0 advantage. 

CCSU managed to get on the board late in the first period, cutting the lead to 3-1, but Jack Woods extended the Hawks lead to 4-1 with a goal before the end of a physical and scrappy first period. 

The Hawks picked up where they left off in the second period. Santagati, assisted by Chretien, made it 5-1 early in the period. CCSU’s number 11 responded with a power play goal, going end-to-end to bring the score to 5-2. However, that was the closest CCSU would get. 

Chretien scored his fourth goal of the night early in the third period, putting the Hawks up 6-2 and solidifying his standout performance. Freshman Joe Young added a goal to extend the lead to 7-2. Forward continued to shine, assisting on a powerplay goal by number 23, followed by another goal from number 23 with four minutes left to seal the 9-2 victory. 

The Hawks look to build on this dominant performance as they continue their season under new leadership. The next matchup is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 vs the University of Connecticut Huskies.