DEREK RAPOSO, MEN'S ICE HOCKEY

Men’s ice hockey player Derek Raposo was named AMCAT Spotlight Player of the Week for games played February 17^ththrough the 23^rd. The AMCATS would host the Lancers of Worcester State, where they would look to pull out a big win against a conference opponent. Raposo would get the offensive momentum going for the AMCATS on a powerplay 28 seconds into the second period. He would find himself sending a pass across the circles to assist on the AMCATS first goal of the game against the Lancers. Derek offensive momentum and skills would not stop there, with about four minutes left in the second period, the AMCATS would have another powerplay, and he would pass the puck from the top of the blue line across the dots to an AMCAT who would fire it home for the AMCATS tying goal of the game against the Lancers. Derek would continue to spark the AMCATS offense creating opportunities for the AMCATS to score and break the tie for the AMCATS. The game would stay knotted up with each team having 4 goals and, the game would head to overtime. It would be Raposo to get the puck and a clean rush against the Lancers and find his AMCAT teammate for a perfect pass across the slot and find the back of the net for an AMCATS goal. His assist would help secure the overtime win for the AMCATS over a powerful conference Lancers team. Raposo would have a three-point night against the Lancers with three assists for the AMCATS. His three assists would contribute to his 23 assists so far this season for the AMCATS. The AMCATS would host the Vikings of Salem State, on February 20^th, 2025, where Raposo would also record an assist in the game against the Vikings to add to his career high assists in a season with 24. The busy week would continue for the AMCATS and Raposo as they would travel to Plymouth to take on the Panthers of Plymouth State. Although the AMCATS were defeated by a strong Panthers team, Raposo would have a powerful and remarkable year and would look to use these offensive and defensive skills and mindset heading into post season. He would show strong efforts and impressive numbers this season heading into the post season which is what is next for the AMCATS. Derek currently has 29 points with 5 goals and 24 assists and a +11 rating with the AMCATS as they end their regular season. 

The AMCATS will be back in action on Thursday February 27, 2025, where they will host the first ever MASCAC Quarterfinal Game against the Owls of Westfield State. Opening-Puck drop is set for 5:40pm.