Men’s hockey turns up the heat in the season’s final stretch

The Middlebury men’s hockey team moved closer to the playoffs with a two-win weekend over UMass-Boston and Babson College. The men have won their past four games, including a stellar victory over Williams, the previously top-ranked NESCAC squad. This victory catapulted the men into second place in NESCAC standings, which they hope will lead to a more fortuitous playoff berth.

This second-place spot will also allow the Panthers to contest their NESCAC playoff matches at home in Kenyon Arena, which had proved an advantage for them this season. With only one weekend left in regular season competition, the Panthers are ready to make their mark in the postseason.

“The fun part about this time of year is that every game is a playoff game, even these last couple regular season games,” said Tri-captain Charlie Townsend ’10.  “It’s all about preparing the best we can for the playoffs, so getting in that mentality now is key for us.  There’s really nothing better than this time of year and we need to play with that joy and commitment.”

The Williams game certainly showcased the grit and determination that the men will need in the playoffs. The Panthers clawed their way back to the victory after trailing 2-0 after the first period.  This situation has proved perilous for the Panthers a few times this year, when they have made mistakes in the opening period that have cost them the game despite hard second-and third-period play. This was not the case at Williams, however.

The men fought to gain control and momentum during the second period, impressively taking the lead when they scored three goals in a five-minute span. Tri-captain John Sullivan ’10 and Ken Suchoski ’11 both had a typically productive game, coming home with two goals apiece on the night. But despite the individual play, it was a concerted effort by all Panthers on the ice that allowed the squad to come from behind for the important win.

The men continued their domination last Friday, with a tidy win 5-1 victory over UMass-Boston. Again, impressive upperclassmen performances were complemented by moments of brilliance from rookie players. Martin Drolet ’12 started the scoring early in the first period. Townsend scored twice in the match, with first-years Chris Brown ’13 and Chris Steele ’13 scoring one goal after another late in the second period to put the Panthers up 4-1.

The next night the Panthers traveled to Babson College to contest the Beavers in NESCAC/ECAC East play. The ensuing match was demonstrative of a motivated Middlebury squad that is playing harmoniously as the postseason approaches.

“This past weekend was a great stepping stone for us heading down the stretch because it reinforced the feeling we have that we have an incredible opportunity in front of us as long as we play hard for 60 minutes,” said Townsend.”

The men went 2-for-3 on their power play opportunities, markedly improving after going just 1-for-4 against UMass-Boston and 1-for-7 against Williams. Sullivan again had a strong performance, scoring twice in the win. Townsend also played well, finishing the night with a goal and an assist.

Rookie performances were also strong, with defenseman Mathieu Castonguay ’13 chasing down a Babson breakaway and Steele making an interception on a clear that led to Townsend’s goal.

Looking ahead, the Panthers will spend their final weekend on the road, contesting Skidmore and Castleton State before moving into the postseason.

“I think the biggest challenge this time of year is nerves,” said Townsend.  “The games really start to mean a little more than usual but that kind of thinking can hurt us so it’s really just about going out and playing our game. Trusting our game, being confident and working hard is really all we can control so as long as we focus on those things, we’ll be successful.”

NESCAC playoffs start on Saturday, Feb.  27. If the Panthers can maintain their second -place position, they will play at home on that day.