ORLIN & COHEN POSTGAME REPORT: RIPTIDE FALL TO THUNDERBIRDS AT HOME

On Saturday, December 16th, the New York Riptide clashed with the Halifax Thunderbirds in Uniondale, New York. The Riptide, entering the game with a 0-1 record after their loss to the Philadelphia Wings (13-10) in the season opener, were keen to bounce back. Meanwhile, Halifax came into the game 1-0, having secured a victory against the Rush in their first game of the season.

The Riptide struck first, initiating the scoring through a well-executed hidden ball trick by Connor Kearnan. Kearnan, in tandem with Reilly O’Connor, outmaneuvered the Thunderbirds defense, netting a half-field goal a mere 22 seconds into the game. However, Halifax seized control for the remainder of the opening quarter, concluding with a 5-1 surge from five different scorers.

The second quarter predominantly showcased outstanding goaltending, with New York’s Cameron Dunkerley and Halifax’s Warren Hill maintaining clean sheets for the first eleven minutes. Towards the end of the quarter, Ryan Terefenko and Jeff Teat scored for their respective teams. Teat’s goal, assisted by John LaFontaine, marked LaFontaine’s 100th career point. Halifax managed two more goals in the waning seconds before halftime, extending their lead to five goals.

LaFontaine 🤝 Teat pic.twitter.com/wx4LGewj9k

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 17, 2023

Halifax’s Cody Jameison expanded their dominance by scoring his third goal just 30 seconds into the third quarter, pushing the Thunderbirds’ lead to six goals. The teams traded goals for the remainder of the quarter, with Halifax concluding the period still holding a six-goal advantage. Randy Staats, back from the injured reserve, completed his hat-trick with a goal in the third quarter. Additionally, Kiel Matisz secured his first hat-trick while playing for the Riptide.

The Riptide coaching staff chose to focus on the positives rather than dwell on the negatives after the game. Coach Dan Ladoceur commented, “I think 5 on 5 we were competing; penalty trouble and transition hurt us. We game planned for that, but just did not execute.” Team captain Reilly O’Connor echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the need for continued belief and execution of their game plan.

Head Coach Dan Ladouceur following tonight's 14-6 loss to the Halifax Thunderbirds | @OCSportsMed post-game coverage. pic.twitter.com/UZUYrixgE9

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 17, 2023

Forward Reilly O'Connor (1G, 1A) on the team's mentality moving forward | @OCSportsMed post-game coverage. pic.twitter.com/aUulJR3JZS

— New York Riptide (@newyorkriptide) December 17, 2023

With two weeks before their next contest, the Riptide aim to halt their two-game slide. On December 30th, The New York Riptide will return to action after a weekend off to play their first away game of the season against the Toronto Rock.

Following Saturday night’s result, the Halifax Thunderbirds now top the NLL standings at 2-0, while the Riptide have fallen to last place after the defeat.