EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The LIU men's hockey team stands on the brink of a significant milestone as the Sharks prepare to compete in their 100th game in program history against Yale on Saturday.
 
The Sharks achieved their inaugural program win against Holy Cross on Nov. 19, 2020, with a memorable 3-2 win sealed by Christian Rajic's overtime goal. The win did not only mark a pivotal moment for LIU but also secured head coach Brett Riley's first-career Division I win.
 
"There is a lot to be thankful and grateful for," said Riley, the sole coach in program history. "One hundred games is a nice recognition, but we know that we need to keep pushing in the next one hundred."
 
During their brief yet impactful existence, the Sharks have faced off against 17 ranked teams, including a 3-2 win against No. 12 Ohio during the 2022-23 campaign and a thrilling 3-2 clash with No. 16 Penn State in front of a sold-out Northwell Health Ice Center crowd to open up the 2023-24 season.
 
"Being able to start something from scratch is one of the reasons I came here," said defenseman Jordan Di Cicco." And doing it with this group of guys has been unbelievable."
 
Over the past four seasons, LIU has traveled to 16 states and competed in 68 road games, providing a glimpse into the rigors of an National Hockey League schedule
 
"Going on the road is so important," said goalie and Long Island native Brandon Perrone. "You see NHL teams do it all the time and most importantly you get to spend time with the guys."
 
Coach Riley's leadership has been integral to nurturing the talents of 15 student-athletes who have ascended to professional hockey ranks, notably forward Anthony Vincent's recent signing of a one-year deal with the San Jose Barracuda in the American Hockey League.
 
"We want this program with our rigorous schedule, with our demanding travel, with our intense practices to prepare them for pro hockey. We have put 15 players in pro hockey all the way to the American League to Europe," Riley said.
 
LIU returns to the Northwell Health Ice Center when it hosts Vermont in the Teddy Bear Toss Game on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7p.m.
 
You can purchase your LIU men's hockey tickets HERE