(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the second installment in today's Feature Friday Series. This segment focuses on men's ice hockey's Roscoe Sweeney, who scored the game-winning goal in last Saturday's post-season triumph over Southern New Hampshire.)

By Dave Sweet
Athletics Student Feature Writer

The puck slid past the goalmouth. Roscoe Sweeney found himself open—his eyes fixed on the open nylon—and he fired toward the left post. The siren blared, fans cheered, and Ravens’ nation took a sigh of relief. No one knew at that point, but Sweeney had just scored the first game-winning playoff goal in Franklin Pierce men’s hockey history.

“This is a big step we’re taking,” the senior forward (Falmouth, Mass.) said after a playoff win against Southern New Hampshire University. “We have to make sure we keep taking it game-by-game, and hopefully win-by-win. If we do that, and if we stay prepared, I’m confident we can beat anyone.”

Sweeney is insistent that this year’s team is superior to those of years past, when Ravens hockey would typically finish near the bottom rung in the NE-10. He says the “overall attitude and culture” of the program has totally changed.

“Previously there’s been a handful guys who are kind of just going through the motions and not really focusing on what we need to do—like they’re just here to play for themselves. This year coach has done a good job of bringing in a solid freshman class. The seniors have all bought into it and some of the freshman from last year are really stepping up and making names for themselves.”

As one of the most decorated players in program history, Sweeney is quite familiar with the spotlight. He sits among the top-five in program history in shorthanded goals, assists, and points. He also holds the program record for assists in a single season, which he achieved his freshman year. Still, he says all of those accolades pale in comparison to an NE-10 championship.

“Those are some good personal goals I’ve reached,” he says humbly. “But it’s a team game. I’d rather win than score points any day. All that other stuff is just a bonus.”

Equally decorated in program history is Sweeney’s fellow forward and teammate, Anthony Chighisola (Whitman, Mass.). Often playing off each other’s skill sets, the pair has provided the Ravens’ offense with one third of its season point total. Add senior forward Michael Carr (South Boston, Mass.) to the equation, and the trio creates more than half of the Ravens’ scoring opportunities.

“Those kids can score from anywhere on the ice,” said Sweeney. “As long as I get one of them the puck we’re good. Somebody’s putting it in the net.”

Off the ice Sweeney likes to fish, go to the beach, and just be outdoors. After college he hopes to stay involved with hockey, whether that means playing overseas in Europe, or as a scout or coach.

It may have been the first post-season win for Ravens hockey, but Sweeney wants to make sure it’s not the last. Though he admits there isn’t one specific moment that comes to mind when he thinks back on his tenure at FPU, there is still hockey left to be played.

“We’re one game away from the school wins record,” he said. “We can make those memories now. We have the heart. We have the talent. Now we just need to keep applying it and putting on the pressure. I want to be a part of that team that brought the first championship home to Franklin Pierce.”