The Fulton Red Raider Hockey Team headed into Sectionals as the tenth seed after not making the playoffs last season. The Raiders had to play the number seven seeded CNS Northstars. They played them on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:15 p.m. in CNS.

The Raiders came out with a fire underneath them. Senior Captain from Central Square, Joe Galvagno, opened the floodgates. The goal was assisted by senior Eric Shear and freshman Jon Dingman. CNS answered back quickly. At the end of the first period, the score was tied at one.

CNS scored first in the second period and had a 2-1 lead. The Raiders did not give up. Sophomore Derick Schumaker scored his first of the game and tied the game at two. Shear quickly followed with one of his own assisted by Galvagno. Galvagno then put up his second of the game assisted by Shear and senior Kaleb Calkins. CNS, however, scored with one second left in the period. The Raiders led 4-3 going into the third period.

The Raiders came out in the third hungry to move on. Schumaker scored his second goal of the game. However, CNS was not done fighting. With under five minutes left in the game, CNS scored to bring them within one. Junior Cal Connolly took a penalty with fewer than two minutes to play in the game. Galvagno picked up his third goal of the game from the Raiders' defensive zone.

The Raiders ended up winning the game by a score of 6-4. The last time the Raiders won a playoff game was in 2004.

Junior goalie Jadon Lee played outstandingly for the Red Raiders coming up with huge saves all game long, including a stick save with under a minute left in the game. Lee stated, “I knew coming into the game I needed to play big to upset CNS. I just came in and played my game like I know I can play. My confidence also played a big part in my success.”

Calkins stated, “Our team has become a lot more united, not just as teammates, but as a family. Our team also had the same mindset and knew each of us had a job and stuck to the plan.”

The Raiders will travel to Syracuse on Friday, February 15 to face the number three team in the state, the Syracuse Cougars. They will look to continue their winning ways.

Senior Nate Lindsey stated, “Looking forward to Syracuse, we have to run our 1-2-2 forecheck and be smarter with the puck. We also have to capitalize on the chances we get.”