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Volume CXXXII, Number 18 |
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Men's hockey exits early in NESCACs
MIKE BALULESCU
STAFF WRITER
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| Hamilton's goaltender, Gabe Tash (left), ended Bowdoin's postseason dreams, thwarting 35 of 38 shots. (Karsten Moran, Bowdoin Orient) |
Despite high hopes and great expectations, the men's ice hockey team was eliminated from the postseason in the first round of playoffs on March 1. Dayton Arena was filled to capacity with screaming Polar Bear fans, but the strong crowd support was not enough to counter a potent Hamilton College squad, as the Polar Bears fell to the visiting Continentals 6-3.
Bowdoin's lackluster performance came as no surprise to men's ice hockey fans, as the Polar Bears had won only two of the final ten games of the regular season. Despite out-shooting Hamilton 38 to 27, Bowdoin's offense was no match for Hamilton goaltender Gabe Tash.
Meanwhile, Bowdoin's normally solid defensive unit crumbled in the second period, allowing three unanswered Hamilton goals within ten minutes of play.
Talented junior goaltender Mike Healey struggled, making only five saves, and was pulled from the game in the second period. After a solid victory against Bowdoin, Hamilton went on to lose 5-3 to Middlebury College in the second round of NESCAC playoffs.
Although Bowdoin's season ended on a disappointing note, head coach Terry Meagher was more than pleased with the season's results. "You can always improve," he said, "but I am a big believer in taking a look at what you did over the long haul. I think we had a very successful season."
Indeed, Bowdoin's final record of 13-6-5 was good enough for a fourth place finish in the highly competitive NESCAC. Bowdoin was also ranked among the top ten Division III teams in the country for most of the season, and won in a blowout game against the eventual NESCAC champions, Trinity College.
Meagher was also glowing with praise for his three senior captains Jared Porter, Ryan Seymour, and Sean Starke. "Our senior leadership was excellent this year," said Meagher. "I never had any question about their quality on and off the ice. They are three very special people." Starke led by example more than anyone, as he led the team this year in both goals and assists, registering 15 in both categories.
Despite his struggles in the final stretch of the season, goaltender Mike Healey was also instrumental in Bowdoin's successes, as he made 508 saves this season, allowing only one shot in ten past his glove. "I can't wait to have him back next year," said Meagher.
When asked about next season, coach Meagher was honest about Bowdoin's prospects. "We will have a very young team next year," said Meagher. "Youth brings a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to the game, but it also brings inexperience. The learning curve in this league is very steep, and while we have the talent to succeed, next year's squad will be greener than grass."
For now, Meagher must focus on recruiting. Every graduating senior class needs an incoming freshman class to fill the roster sheets, and for now Meagher has his hands full, making sure the best and brightest hockey players out there choose to spend four years playing under Dayton's hallowed rafters.
However, the spring still leaves room for reflection and a little relaxation. "We played entertaining hockey this season, and you can tell how much the fans enjoy it. Winning is important, but bringing something positive to the college hold equal weight with me."
Congratulations to the men's ice hockey team for a successful season. GO U BEARS!
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