Mens’ Hockey dominates in semifinals against Hamilton, falls short versus Trinity in finals
Colby hosted the men’s ice hockey NESCAC semifinal and championship round this past weekend. With their eyes set on the title, the No.1 ranked Mules had to first battle the No.5 ranked Hamilton Continentals on Saturday.
The Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center (HAARC) was packed for playoff weekend and excitement was in the air. The Mules split their outings with the Continentals this season, losing the first and winning the second in overtime. Historically, Hamilton has had Colby’s number in the majority of their matchups, but this time Colby was victorious. The Mules won 6-4 in a thriller.
Colby opened the first period on offense. The Mules had some good looks, but didn’t convert until 12:47 of the period. The mules found themselves on a 2v1 breakaway and Jake MacDonald ’25 fired a shot to the top right of the net for the first score of the game.
Three minutes later, Hamilton made their way deep into Colby territory and scored. Their combination of crisp passes and patient striking gave them the tie.
With 19.6 seconds remaining in the first, Colby’s aggressive play gave them the lead. Quinn Doyle ’22 converted just before time expired to send the crowd into a fury and the Mules all the confidence entering the second period. Doyle’s goal gave John Mcelaney ’24 his first of two assists.
In just two minutes into the second period, Hamilton took advantage of a Colby penalty and equalized the game during their power play. The Continentals remained aggressive, trying to take the lead but Colby defenders stood their ground.
In the eighth minute of the second, Jacob Thousand ’23 tapped in a goal off of a beautiful pass by Jack Sullivan ’24.
The crowd was ecstatic again, jeering at the Hamilton goalie while screaming for the Mules. A minute later, they rose to their feet once more, after a dirty play from a Hamilton defender, ripping a Colby player’s helmet off. Hamilton was penalized and the momentum was on the Mules’ side.
Neither team scored for the rest of the period and the Mules entered the third up 4-2. Throughout the third, there were multiple tangles and small fights but Colby players ultimately kept their composure.
With a power play opportunity at eight and a half minutes in the final period, Micheal Thomas ’22 collected a rebound from the diving Hamilton goalie and fired the puck high into the back of the net. This put Colby up 5-2.
One minute later, off of a rebound Hamilton responded with a similar goal. They had another close attempt to bring the score to 5-4 but the puck barely missed the top of the net.
The Continentals were controlling the puck well after their score, but had to pull their goalie with two minutes left. With just a minute and a half of play remaining, Hamilton successfully converted off of their extra man. With the score now 5-4, the crowd was on the edge of their seats.
Hamilton pulled their goalie again, hoping to tie but this time they were unsuccessful. Doyle scored an empty net goal with 30 seconds left, putting away the Continentals. 6-4 was the final score.
After the win, the Mules played Trinity College in the finals the following day on Sunday, but they failed to capture the trophy. Trinity’s quick goals and overall dominance on the ice proved too much for Colby on Sunday. 4-1 was the final score. With the loss, Colby Men’s Hockey’s stellar season ends without a bid in the NCAA tournament.
Sunday was not the result the Mules wanted, but they still have plenty to celebrate about for this year’s historic season. Not only were the Mules ranked No. 14 in the nation in Division III, but last week, defenseman Jack Sullivan ’24 was named NESCAC Rookie of the Year and Head Coach Blaise MaCdonald was awarded NESCAC Coach of the Year. With eight graduating seniors, the younger members of the team will step up and plan to redeem this year’s final loss next season.
~ Julian Cangieter-Hernandez ’25
