CJ Haddad
Journal Staff

After recently participating in the Bowdoin/Colby face-off in Maine this week, the men’s hockey team is hoping Captain Jeff Rose and their group of talented young players can continue their strong play. In addition, the team has a well-deserved break arriving in the near future.

With only two games remaining in the semester, the team is looking to pick up two key victories, which would improve their 4-5 record to over .500.

The Rams ultimately came up empty at the tournament in Maine, dropping both of their games, but the team did go up against some very talented opponents.

“The last five games have been very exciting for our program,” said Head Coach Chris Glionna. “We participated in a tournament in Maine that included Bowdoin College [No. 4 in the country], Colby College, and the USA National Under-18 team.  It was our school’s first appearance.

“Though we did not win any games, we played very well,” he added. “We had a chance to win both games heading in to the last few minutes, including being tied with Bowdoin going into the third.  We hope that experience will translate to league wins. We also tied an NCAA record with eight power play goals against Salve Regina and defeated a very good SNHU team on the road.”

Unfortunately for Glionna’s staff, this has been an injury-plagued year. The team is tired, both physically and mentally, and is looking forward to almost a month off from hockey. The team plays its last game on Dec. 5, at home against Wentworth, and do not resume play until Jan. 11. From there they will have a four-game home-stand against Babson, Utica, Tufts, and Western New England.

“Physically we are pretty beaten up.  I think we have only had a hand full of guys play every game.  I can never remember a season with so many injuries,” said Gliona. “However, our young players have gotten a chance to play.  The team is very upbeat after proving they can play with some of the country’s best this weekend.”

With recurring injuries, many underclassmen have had the opportunity to get time on the ice, which has allowed them them to show what they’re made of. Leading the underclassmen is freshman Max Barron. Barron has tallied a team-leading five goals and six assists, which is good for 11 points this year.

Max’s impressive numbers are a good complement to team captain, Jeff Rose. Jeff has denied 225 shots so far this year, posting a .893 save percentage with a 3.07 goals against average, including one shutout.

“Jeff Rose has been our best player every night.  He is one of the best in country,” added Gliona. “Freshmen Max Barron has led us offensively, while freshmen Jon Stauffer has been our best defensemen.”

The Rams will have to fight through injuries and dig deep for this Thursday’s matchup with Curry College, followed by a home matchup with Wentworth. Despite the fatigue, the team is excited for these two important bouts this week.

“This week will be a great challenge,” said Gliona. “We play the defending [ECAC] Northeast champions’ Curry College on the road Thursday night, and then finish the semester with last year’s regular season champion Wentworth.”

Coach Glionna and his supporting cast hope to finish the semester strong and bring his team to a winning record. With an upcoming break, the Rams will hopefully return vital players and have a healthy squad who will be ready and poised to have a successful second half of the season.