Special Hockey Classic Summary - Friday, 11/7/25

The USA Hockey Special Hockey National Championship Tournament kicked off today at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, NJ. This year, teams from Boston, Cape Cod, Chicago, Long Island and Brick are battling with the Dare Devils for the Special Hockey Cup. It was an action packed Friday as the Dare Devils registered three teams for this event and all three played today. The Dare Devils White Team kicked off the tournament with a matchup against our fierce rivals, the Brick Stars. The NHLs New Jersey Devils sent their mascot, the NJ Devil, to perform the ceremonial opening puck drop. Veteran superstar Patrick Law represented the Dare Devils at center ice and squared off against his Brick counterpart for the tournament opening face off. We would also like to acknowledge our all star goaltender, Matty Brighton, who showed true warrior grit by playing three consecutive 75 minute games this afternoon. Great job, Matty! In addition, Frank and a few of his photographer friends were on hand today (thanks, Frank). All photo albums will be posted as soon as they are available. Below is a summary of the Dare Devils games on Friday, 11/7/25.

Friday, 11/7 - NJDD White vs. Brick Stars - 2:15pm - Rink 2:

Knowing the strength of the Brick Stars, Coach Myles had the NJDD White team roll three lines this afternoon. It was necessary as this was a back and forth marathon of a game that lasted 75 minutes. In addition to taking the ceremonial opening face off, Patrick Law netted the Dare Devils first goal and last goal of the game. In between, the Dare Devils scored many goals but the game ultimately ended in a tie. Although they put several pucks in the net, the Dare Devils were forced to rely on the heroics of superstar goaltender Matty Brighton to escape the afternoon with a tie. Brighton turned away numerous grade A scoring chances to allow the Dare Devils to collect a point. The Dare Devils on the scoresheet were as follows: Shea Passikoff (1 goal, 3 assists), Patrick Law (3 goals), Alfonso Mosca (2 goals, 1 assist), Liam Smith (1 goal, 2 assists), James Cooney (1 goal, 1 assist), Vincent Racamato (1 goal, 1 assist), Andrew DePiero (1 goal, 1 assist), Danny Giger (2 assists), and Aaron Quintana (1 assist). Ayden Duran, Ryan Kientz, Connor Hung, Andrew Piccirillo and Micayla Shields all played strong games for the NJDD White squad.

Link to Frank's photo gallery of 2:45pm game (11/7)

Friday, 11/7 - NJDD Black vs. Chicago Storm - 3:45pm - Rink 2:

While the NJDD White team rolled three lines in their opening game, their Black jersey'd teammates were a bit shorthanded in their opening matchup of the tournament. Despite only having 7 skaters (plus goalie Matty Brighton), the Dare Devils came away with a hard fought victory against the Chicago outfit. Sean Glasset led the way with three goals and Matty Brighton's dominance paced the Dare Devils to victory. The Dare Devils in the box score were Sean Glasset (3 goals), Jake Simon (2 goals, 1 assist), Kevin Plunkett (2 goals, 1 assist), Tony He (1 goal), PJ Visicaro (1 assist). The defense was led by the strong play of Madison Mitchell, Andrew Katz and Jake Simon.

Friday, 11/7 - NJDD White vs. Chicago Storm - 5pm - Rink 2:

The NJDD White squad played their second game of the afternoon against the Chicago Storm B team. After playing the opening 75 minute game earlier in the day, the Dare Devils had no business keeping this game competitive, but they did. The Dare Devils rode the hot goaltending of Matty Brighton and were in the game until the final moments but they ultimately came up two goals short. Liam Smith netted the first goal, off an assist from Micayla Shields; Shea Passikoff went end-to-end for the Dare Devils 2nd goal; and Alfonso Mosca scored the Dare Devils final two goals, with assists going to Vinny Racamato on Fonz's first goal and Matty Brighton on Fonzies 2nd goal. Strong contributions were made by Patrick Law, James Cooney, Owen Silverstein, Andrew Piccirillo, Ayden Duran, Danny Giger, Andrew DePiero, Aaron Quintana, Ryan Kientz and Connor Hung.

Link to Frank's photo gallery of 5pm game (11/7)

Friday, 11/7 - NDDD A Team vs. East Coast Jumbos - 4:45pm - Rink 3:

Captain Ryan Griffin, Will Trampota, Kory Wadleigh, Reese Citro and Patrick Hung teamed up with our good friends from the Long Island Blues (including superstar goalie Taylor Esposito) to take on the reigning Special Hockey World Champions, the East Coast Jumbos. Despite their best efforts, the joint Dare Devils/LI Blues squad were no match for the cagey Jumbos, led by former Dare Devil all star goalie, Matt Donnelly. All of the Dare Devils played well and can hold their heads high in keeping this game against the Jumbos relatively close.

Friday, 11/7 - NJDD A Team vs. Jersey Hitmen - Rink 2:

Captain Ryan Griffin, Will Trampota, Kory Wadleigh, Reese Citro and Patrick Hung once again represented the Dare Devils, this time teaming up with the Brick Stars A team to take on the USPHLs, Jersey Hitmen. The Hitmen are one of the premier junior hockey teams in the mid-Atlantic region but they had their hands full with the NJ A all-stars. The five Dare Devils played as a unit throughout the game and all of our players made the score sheet, led by Patrick Hung (1 goal, 2 assists), Will Trampota (2 goals), Captain Ryan Griffin (1 goal), Reese Citro (1 goal) and Kory Wadleigh (1 assist). Kory Wadleigh and Captain Ryan Griffin paced the NJ A all-stars with their skating and defense and led their team to a major upset in defeating the Hitmen by a score of 10 to 8. Great job, A team! Way to represent Special Hockey!