The first official game of the 2019-2020 regular season took place on the final day of the St. Paul’s Jamboree against the Zebras of Groton. With an early 10 am start time, the Rhinos looked to continue building from the 2-1 win against Tabor the night before. The skaters were slow to start but Thomas Ricciardelli broke through before the end of the 1st. A relentless forecheck by Nikita Kovalev and Justin Humenay forced the Zebras to cough the puck up the Rhinos before Ricciardelli buried the puck into the Groton net. The team’s work ethic and execution continued to improve throughout the 2nd period however a few undisciplined penalties by members of the Rhinos gave the momentum to Groton. Able to capitalize on a power-play, the Zebras tied it up before the end of the 2nd period. The third period was a dramatic affair with 2 called back goals, a missed penalty shot and a pulled goaltender for an extra attacker. The Zebras were able to put 2 past goalie Mikey Roberts before the final buzzer. Score 3-1 Groton. Taft travels home through the first winter storm of the year before playing against Salisbury at 3pm on Wednesday in Odden Arena.