The North Shore Vikings' ice hockey team lost its season opener on Nov. 17, falling to the Eagles of Valley Stream, 8-0. Violante starred in goal for the Eagles, notching his second shutout of the season. The league-leading Eagles improved their record to 9-3.

Despite the loss, Viking coach Dean Giamundo thought his young squad played well under the circumstances. "Valley Stream is one of the best teams in the league and has already played 10 games," said Giamundo. "This was our first game, and we only had four practices before that night."

North Shore started strong, limiting Valley Stream to just one goal in the first period. The Vikings killed a five-on-three Eagle power lay before succumbing to a Valley Stream goal scored on a wrist shot coming just after the Eagles won a faceoff in the Vikings' zone. The goal was cored by Moore, who was ejected from the game shortly thereafter for an unfortunate run of the mouth against Vikings' goalie Tegh Sandu. Sandu was outstanding in the North Shore goal facing 41 shots on the night, many from point-blank range and turning away 33 of them. "The North Shore goalie was very strong," said Andy Carmen, coach of the Eagles. "He made some outstanding saves. Nick Moon played well at forward for North Shore." He added that the Vikings team was dramatically improved over last year's squad and that this year was only the second year for North Shore ice hockey.

Valley Stream was handed a game misconduct as a second player was ejected. The Vikings avoided ejections although they did take 12 minor penalties.