UTICA, NY - The annual Utica Thanksgiving Showcase came to an end on Saturday night as two bitter rivals met on the ice for the first time in over a decade. #10 Utica and #8 Hamilton blessed the Division III Hockey audience with a big time matchup to decide the tournament's champion, engaging in battle for the first time in over 10 years. Despite some early dominance, it was the Continentals who managed to pull away and snag their first victory over the orange and blue since 2005, coming from behind to win 3-1 and be crowned the Thanksgiving Showcase Champions.
 
The Pioneers controlled play for nearly two thirds of the contest, racking up time in the O-Zone while also laying the lumber on numerous occasions as they brought the heat against Hamilton. However, despite leading 1-0 for around 30 minutes, the Continentals would draw two back-to-back Pioneer penalties, eventually equalizing with a man advantage before scrapping to find the game-winner during a scrum in the third period.
 
The matchup had a playoff feel, with minimal stoppages during the first period and each team showing their skill from the opening puck drop. Utica took a slight edge on shots, outshooting their rival by a 24-23, while the two teams split the faceoff effort, winning 25 draws each.
 
All-Tournament Team:
 
Andrew Della Rovere (Caledon East, Ontario), Preston Brighton (Castle Rock, CO), and Eric Vitale (Toronto, Ontario) were rewarded for their stellar play amongst the tournament's best players. Della Rovere, who secured the tournament's MVP last season, had an equally as entertaining campaign, scoring twice and assisting once in the semifinal to help send the Pioneers to Saturday's Championship Game.
 
Three Stars
 
1st -  Hunter Longhi (Collinsville, IL) scored the only goal of the evening for the Pioneers, getting out on the break before cementing one of the most skilled goals in recent program history to give the team a 1-0 lead. Longhi shook off his defender at the blue line following a pinpoint pass from Drake Morse (Grand Rapids, MI). The transfer forward then proceeded to pull back the puck and cross the crease for a long-range backhand that broke the plane. Longhi's score was his second of the season, and also continued his streak of showing passion for the team during his big moments.
 
2nd - Drake Morse (Grand Rapids, MI) supplied Longhi with the above pass to assist the Pioneers on their one-goal lead. However, Morse would also make many other contributions, including laying the boom on numerous Hamilton skaters. Morse's intensity from the opening puck drop is definitely something that was needed, as the junior showed stellar leadership by example.
 
3rd - Eric Vitale (Toronto, Ontario) managed to grab one goal and one assist during tournament play, cementing a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Vitale has been extremely potent the past few weeks, scoring in some big-time moments to keep the orange and blue active. His two points in the semifinal round helped the team uncover some strengths to hone in on during their O-Zone time. He was also integral on Saturday night, continuing to apply pressure to the opposing defense.
 
The Pioneers fell to 5-5, still holding a flawless 4-0 conference record as they move into the break looking to notch a signature win. The Pioneers' final home game of 2025 will take place next Saturday, as the team welcomes a top-10 side in Oswego State for the 21st Annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss
 
Here was the All-Tournament Team from this year's Thanksgiving Showcase:
 
MVP - Luke Tchor | Hamilton
F - Clarence Beltz | Hamilton
F - Andrew Della Rovere (Caledon East, Ontario) | Utica
F - Eric Vitale (Toronto, Ontario) | Utica
D - John Wojciechowski | Hamilton
D - Preston Brighton (Castle Rock, CO) | Utica
G - Aksel Reid | Hamilton
 
Tune in next week for the 21st Annual New York Sash Teddy Bear Toss!