The Bowdoin Orient

February 9, 2001
Volume CXXXII, Number 15

Men's hockey loses 2 hard fought games

by ALISON MCCONNELL, STAFF WRITER

   The men's hockey team made some great efforts last weekend, but took defeats from top-ranked Middlebury and Norwich at home. The team has five games remaining in its season and is still in the fight for a playoff spot.
   Middlebury (17-2-1) visited Dayton last Friday, bringing some talented players to battle the Polar Bears (10-7-1). "That could have been one of the more well-played, enjoyable games we've played to date," head coach Terry Meagher said. "It was a classic hockey game, and I thought we played well with a lot of heart."
   Midd's Matt Skoglund struck first for the Panthers, flicking a shot past senior goaltender Colin Robinson after 12:32 in the first period. During the second period, Bowdoin's Chris Pelletier '04 put Bowdoin on the board with a power play goal. It would be the Bears' only tally of the matchup.
   "I thnk we proved that we can compete with one of the top teams in the country," Pelletier said. "We fell a little short, but we played with them for three periods."
   Will Chang netted the game-winner for the Panthers with about 15 minutes to play. Robinson made 23 saves in the loss, while Midd's Christian Carlsson had 17.
   With little time to regroup, the Bears faced down another difficult opponent on Saturday. This time the foe was non-NESCAC powerhouse Norwich (12-8-1), a team cited by Coach Meagher as having "…some of the most gifted and talented players in the nation. We played hard, but we made some errors. They really make you pay for your mistakes," he said.
   Norwich got on the board first, netting two goals in the first five minutes of the game. First-years Pelletier and Marty Brisebois stepped up for the Bears, tying the score at 2-2. Brian Shuman '02 answered a third Cadet goal with one of his own, assisted by fellow junior Andy McNerney.
   The tied score continued into the second period, with Bowdoin's Mike Carosi '02 netting a goal at six minutes and after another Norwich tally. The 4-4 tie was broken by Norwich senior Tim Krykostas, who put two past Robinson in the second period. Albert Mayer '03 and Bill Busch '02 found senior Mike O'Leary for the team's fifth goal, but the Cadets would keep the Bears in check for the final five minutes of the game.
   Overall, Coach Meagher was pleased with his team's efforts. "We played right to the end, didn't quit, and the bottom line was that we lost it," he said.
   "Norwich is a pretty good team, and we were pretty happy that we hung with them offensively," Pelletier added. "Coach is pretty confident about this weekend; he's happy with our performance against top teams last week."
   Despite the games' final outcomes, the team gained some valuable experience. "Against the top opponents, we got better, we learned…It looks like if we get one more point we'll be in the playoffs," Meagher said.
   The hopeful Bear team has benefited from some big individual contributions, as well as overall teamwork. Colin Robinson, may not be the only Bear earning a spot in the books, as yet another record is in jeopardy this week. Chris Pelletier is currently second in NESCAC's goal scoring category, with 13 scored in conference play. If he nets two more, he will break freshman record currently held by Ron Marcellus (1978-79).
   "It's pretty impressive," said Coach Meagher. "We've had a couple records go down this season, and it's certainly a major milestone."
   Meagher continued, saying that the team is grateful for the rousing support of Bowdoin fans as well. "We really appreciate all the support of the fans here," he said. "It was great this weekend to see the students out at the games."
   The men travel for their next three games, heading to Amherst tonight, Trinity tomorrow, and Colby on Tuesday. They wrap up their season next weekend, playing Babson and Umass-Boston at home.

Forward Chris Pelletier '04 is nearing the freshman goal-scoring record in the NESCAC. (Colin LeCroy/Bowdoin Orient)