GENEVA — One of the few mottos the Hobart University ice hockey team lives by references three eras. It's about having a “really good first time, an even better second time, and a great third time.” That motto was executed to perfection on Saturday night, as the Statesmen defeated Skidmore 5-0 to claim their second consecutive New England Hockey Conference title.
“From the moment the puck dropped, I thought our guys were locked in and playing the type of hockey we're capable of playing,” Hobart head coach Mark Taylor said. “I couldn't be happier. We went out to Hobart hockey and played with real purpose and real focus and played together. Win or lose is all you want, but It’s great when you win.”
Senior captain Artem Buzoberia, who scored a dagger wraparound goal 26 seconds into the third period, unfurled and wore the Ukrainian flag as he celebrated at the Mariano Trophy.
“I promised my mother I would take a picture,” Buzoberia said of taking a photo with the flag. She said, “I got an email from my grandma and she said she would be happy to talk tomorrow. I'm really proud.”
Sophomore goaltender Damon Bieber recorded his sixth 21-save shutout of the season. But after the game, all he could do was shake his head in awe of the team in front of him.
“All I have to do is angle down, do my job and stop the puck,” Bieber said. “Our defense is unbelievable. I can't tell you how easy the last two years have been for me and the rest of the Nets.”
The first period was great for Hobart. They created multiple scoring chances in the first five minutes. They were also more physical than typical and wanted to set the tone early on that it wouldn't be easy for Skidmore to do anything throughout the game.
Skidmore senior goaltender Tate Brandon put the Thoroughbreds in front in the first period, but was unable to contain the surge of Statesmen depth, and Hobart's leading scorer grabbed the rebound with 6.6 seconds left in the first period. They took a 1-0 lead. . The shot came from between Bouzoberya's sticks. Brandon made the save at first, but Hartman could barely get enough stick to get the shot over the line as rebound control was a challenge for him.
The first period ended with Hobart on a 21-2 shooting advantage on goal. The Statesmen's neutral zone defense forced Skidmore's puck carriers wide, and the offense's backchecks kept the Thoroughbreds from getting much past Hobart's blue line. Their breakouts, which typically occur in a team's own zone, occurred in the neutral zone, and there was little Skidmore could do to establish long possessions.
Thirty-three seconds into the second period, the Statesmen (25-2-1) found the Thoroughbred defense a little sleepy when Tanner Daniels carried the puck deep into the bottom left corner and crossed the crease to the waiting Kahlil. – Passed the ball to Fontana. He pushed the puck into the goal for a 2-0 lead.
Moments later, a shot by Daniels that appeared to be his third goal was overturned by a goaltender interference call. Back up 2-0 and with a bit of breathing room, Skidmore started to pick things up a bit and started testing the Beavers all night for the first time, getting a power play opportunity midway through the period.
A goal could have changed everything for the Thoroughbreds, but Hartman stole the puck on a faceoff and skated down the ice with two defenders on board. Forced to backhand, Hartman somehow made it past Brandon's blocker and into the top right corner for a shorthanded goal, slowing Skidmore's momentum.
“They've got a little bit of a tailwind, and in part after (the no-goal call), sometimes they're down a little bit,” Taylor said. “The best thing you can do is react after a disallowed goal.”
“That guy is great,” Buzoberia said of Hartman. “I just sat there and didn't even skate. I just sat and watched it happen. It was a great play by him and he led our team in points and I just sat there and watched it happen. That’s why I’m here.”
Hobart began to control the pace of the game, and as the horn sounded to end the second game, the Statesmen took control of the game.
Just like at the start of the second, Hobart caught Skidmore unprepared, and a come-from-behind goal from Buzoberia effectively ended the Thoroughbreds' hopes.
The game was getting faster and faster, and by the final five minutes Skidmore was exhausted, but Hobart College Roadrunner freshman Chris Duclair scored a empty net goal and the celebration began.
The win marked Hobart's 36th straight home win, tying a Division III record. The Statesmen will receive a first-round bye in next week's NCAA Tournament and will await their quarterfinal opponent on March 16 at The Cooler.
“For me, breaks just make me hungry,” Taylor said. “The only time you complain about a break is when you lose. We're excited to get the break, we earned it. We'll make the most of it.”
