ELMIRA, N.Y. – The Soaring Eagles men’s ice hockey team (19-6-1, 11-6-1 NEHC) takes the ice this weekend against the #3 seeded Thoroughbreds from Skidmore College (18-6-2, 12-5-1 NEHC). Elmira, who enters the weekend after picking up an overtime victory at home against Babson last Saturday, travels to Saratoga Springs, New York where Skidmore defeated #6 seed UMass Boston last weekend.
This season, the two teams split their regular season matchups, with each team winning away from home. On January 6, the Soaring Eagles found themselves in a 1-0 deficit before three consecutive goals capped the victory. In the contest, Mitch Haight ’24, Chance Gorman ’24, and Shawn Kennedy ’24 would all find the back of the net. Just over a month later, the Thoroughbreds would return the favor, picking up a 3-1 win of its own as Stephan McDonald ’27 scored the lone Elmira goal.
Both contests between the teams this year have proved to be physical, as a combined 19 infractions and 38 penalty minutes have proved large, despite just two of the combined eight goals coming via the power-play.
NEHC Goaltender of the Year Tate Brandon is the likely netminder for the Thoroughbreds on Saturday, who did not play in Elmira’s victory over the opposition earlier this season. Brandon was in goal on February 9 at the Murray Athletic Center. This season, the senior boasts a 1.69 GAA and a .938 save percentage with just 40 goals allowed.
All-time, the Soaring Eagles hold a 5-4 record against Skidmore dating back to 2005. Prior to joining the NEHC in 2021-22, Elmira matched up against the Thoroughbreds just twice, with each team earning a victory. Since 2021, the Purple & Gold hold a 4-3 record against Skidmore, going 2-1 on the road, while dropping last year’s NEHC Quarterfinal matchup at the Murray Athletic Center, 4-3 in overtime.
Elmira enters Saturday continuing to hold the #1 ranked power-play percentage in Division III (.329%). This season, the Soaring Eagles have scored 28 power-play goals, led by Nicholas Domitrovic ’24 and Janis Vizbelis ’24 with five a piece. Elmia also ranks top-five nationally in team assists (188) and team points (299). The Thoroughbreds rank 8th nationally in scoring defense (1.88 GAA) compared to 2.46 GAA for the Purple & Gold.
TICKET INFORMATION (CASH ONLY):
Adult – $5.00
Student – $3.00
Address: 30 Weibel Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
NEHC QUARTERFINAL RESULTS:
#1 Hobart def. #8 Castleton, 8-1 | Box Score
#7 Southern Maine def. #2 Norwich, 3-1 | Box Score
#3 Skidmore def. #6 UMass Boston, 5-1 | Box Score
#4 Elmira def. #5 Babson, 3-2 OT | Box Score
NEHC SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE:
#7 Southern Maine at #1 Hobart – 7:00 P.M.
#4 Elmira at #3 Skidmore – 7:00 P.M.
