The Suffolk University women’s hockey team erased a three-goal deficit to force overtime Jan. 24 but ultimately fell 6-5 to Johnson & Wales University in a shootout in a hard-fought contest that doubled as Suffolk’s cancer awareness game.
Suffolk trailed 4-1 midway through regulation after Johnson & Wales capitalized on early offensive pressure. Despite the deficit, the Rams responded with four unanswered goals to tie the game at 5-5 and send it into overtime.
“It was a hard-fought game on both sides,” defenseman Cassie Borowski. “We showed a lot of resilience to battle and put up five goals, especially when coming back from Johnson & Wales’s three-goal lead.”
Johnson & Wales controlled much of the early momentum, spending extended time in the offensive zone and limiting Suffolk’s breakout opportunities. The Rams struggled to establish rhythm in the opening stretch but gradually shifted momentum through improved puck movement and increased physical play.
As Suffolk closed the gap, the energy inside the rink built. The Rams’ bench remained engaged as the team applied consistent pressure late in regulation, eventually tying the game to force overtime.
“The mood was electric,” said Borowski. “Any sort of overtime would make a player tense, but in reality, it just makes the need to win and succeed all the more prominent.”
Overtime remained scoreless despite chances on both ends, sending the game to a shootout. Borowski converted her shootout attempt for Suffolk, but Johnson & Wales ultimately secured the win to earn the extra point.
While the Rams came away with the loss, the comeback effort reflected adjustments made throughout the game. Suffolk shifted its focus to defensive structure, playing a simpler and more aggressive style to stay competitive.
“As a team, we tried to focus on the more defensive aspects of our game,” said Borowski. “Playing a simpler, faster and more aggressive game helped us stay in the fight longer. Though there is always room to improve on and off the ice.”
Saturday’s game also served as Suffolk’s cancer awareness event, bringing added meaning to the night beyond the final score. Fans participated in a Chuck-a-Puck fundraiser, a raffle, and the sale of cookies and baked goods, with all proceeds benefiting The Don Litzelman Foundation.
For the players, the event provided perspective following a tough loss.
“At the end of the day, hockey is important, but nights like this remind you that there’s more to life than a scoreboard,” said Borowski. “The loss was tough, but to support cancer awareness and Suffolk University is something that we are proud of and will continue to do.”
Borowski added that playing for a cause resonated strongly within the program.
“Everyone knows someone who’s been affected by cancer,” said Borowski. “So wearing it, talking about it and playing for something bigger than ourselves is powerful. It’s something we take pride in as a program.”
Despite the shootout result, Suffolk’s performance highlighted the team’s mental resilience and ability to respond under pressure. After falling behind early, the Rams regrouped and maintained composure as the game tightened.
“It stands to show that there is potential in this team to come together and compete even in situations that seem challenging,” said Borowski. “Attitude and mindset are arguably the most important aspects of any game.”
While Suffolk was unable to secure the win, the comeback effort served as a marker of the team’s growth as the season continues. In a game defined by a greater purpose, the Rams showed they could compete through adversity while supporting a cause larger than the scoreboard.
