PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – The Plattsburgh State men's hockey team opened its 2025–26 regular season in emphatic fashion, skating past Castleton University, 6–1, on Friday night at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena. The Cardinals, who entered the night following a perfect 2–0 exhibition slate, continued their dominance over the Spartans, improving to 8–0 all-time in the series.
After a quick-paced start, Plattsburgh broke through late in the first period, as first-year Mike English (Hague, N.Y.) delivered a long, pinpoint pass from deep in his defensive zone that found sophomore Patrick Cole (Lancaster, N.Y.) in stride. Cole made no mistake, burying a shot past the Castleton goaltender to give the Cardinals the early 1–0 advantage.
The Spartans managed to equalize late in the opening frame with a shorthanded tally. A turnover at the blue line led to a Castleton breakaway that was tucked home to even the score at one apiece heading into the first intermission.
Plattsburgh wasted little time reclaiming control in the second period. Senior Riley Sutherland (Burlington, Ontario) created a turnover in the defensive zone and quickly pushed the puck ahead to Cole, who centered it for a trailing Blake Hall (Fort Erie, Ontario). Hall buried the feed to restore the Cardinal lead, sparking an offensive onslaught that would see four goals scored in the frame.
Just over ten minutes later, first-year Gabriel Filion (Montreal, Quebec) extended the lead to 3–1 after applying relentless pressure in the attacking zone. Filion intercepted a pass in front of the net and finished cleanly for his first of the season.
Moments later, Plattsburgh struck again. Junior Aaron Catron (Middletown, Del.) turned defense into offense, stealing the puck off a Spartan defender in their own end and snapping home his first goal of the season to make it 4–1.
The Cardinals continued to roll as Filion notched his second of the night. After Cole laid the puck off to Quinn Tavares (Mississauga, Ontario), the sophomore's shot was turned aside, but Filion crashed the net and knocked home the rebound for a 5–1 advantage heading into the third period.
Plattsburgh capped off the scoring in the final frame when senior Jake Sacratini (Montreal, Quebec) collected a rebound off the end glass, circled in front of goal, and roofed a shot to seal the 6–1 victory.
In what appears to be his first season as the team's full-time starter, goaltender Dominik Bovan (Bratislava, Slovakia) made a strong statement between the pipes. The junior netminder looked calm and composed throughout the night, making several key stops early in the game to keep the score level before the Cardinals' offense found its rhythm. Bovan finished with 22 saves on 23 shots, earning his first win of the year and setting the tone for what promises to be a big season in goal.
Filion led the way with two goals, while Cole tallied a goal and an assist. Hall, Catron, and Sacratini each added a marker, and English, Butler, Sutherland, and Tavares chipped in with assists. Plattsburgh held a 25–23 advantage in shots and went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Castleton was held scoreless on six opportunities.
With the win, the Cardinals open their season on a high note and will look to carry their momentum into tomorrow's home contest against Plymouth State at 7 p.m.
