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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The Skidmore College men’s ice hockey team has reached the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) title game twice in the past three seasons, propelled by an impressive pair of home playoff victories last year. Unfortunately, for the second consecutive year, the Thoroughbreds faced elimination at the hands of the eventual national champion, Hobart.
This season, the squad, boasting a wealth of experience, is laser-focused on a singular objective: capturing the coveted last NEHC championship and securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the very first time in the program’s history. The team understands that there is significant effort ahead of them, yet they remain committed to a step-by-step approach—an ethos that has propelled Skidmore into the ranks of the nation’s elite hockey programs in recent years. Following this season, Skidmore will transition to the SUNYAC as an associate member, making this their final opportunity to lift the Mariano Cup, a challenge they wholeheartedly embrace.
Currently, the Thoroughbreds are ranked 12th nationally by both USCHO and DIIIHockeyNews and were selected second in the NEHC Preseason Poll. The team is set to kick off their 2024-25 season with an away game against Wentworth on Saturday at 3 p.m.
THE SCHEDULE AHEAD
This year’s non-conference schedule is concise. With eleven NEHC teams and a newly formatted schedule, Skidmore will host Babson on November 8 and 9. Their home opener on Friday, November 8, will celebrate both Pack the Rink Night and Senior Day. The Skidmore Thanksgiving Classic, scheduled for November 30-December 1, will feature a competitive lineup including Skidmore, Lake Forest, Hamilton, and Fredonia.
Key matchups include a pivotal home weekend against Hobart on January 10-11 and a showdown with Norwich on February 21-22 to conclude the regular season, alongside a Minnesota road trip to face Saint John’s and St. Olaf on January 3-4. Additional home weekends will see matchups against Southern Maine (January 31-February 1) and Albertus Magnus (February 7-8).
NEHC TOURNAMENT
This year’s tournament is set to unfold over two weekends, with the highly anticipated quarterfinals occurring on March 1 and the final four taking place on March 8-9.
STAR RETURNERS
Danny Magnuson (5-13—18) carved his name in history by becoming the first Skidmore player to be honored as a First Team All-American during his junior season last year. He also earned a spot on the All-NEHC First Team, while Kaeden Patrick (10-9—19) was recognized with Second Team honors. In its preseason preview, USCHO spotlighted Will Dow-Kenny and Jaden York as standout players to keep an eye on. In total, an impressive 21 players are returning from the 2023-24 roster.
INCOMING TALENT
The Thoroughbreds are excited to welcome eight first-year players along with two transfers, thereby introducing ten new faces to the program.
LEADERSHIP
For the second consecutive year, Jack Strauss will take the helm as team captain, with veterans Magnuson, Dow-Kenny, and Patrick stepping in as alternate captains.
FROM HEAD COACH ROB HUTCHISON ’07
“We’re very excited to get back into the swing of things. This group is battle-tested and experienced. They’ve set lofty goals and worked tremendously hard to prepare for the demands of a long NEHC season. Our focus is on staying grounded and mastering the details that will lead us to success.”
Skidmore Hockey Roster
**Interview with Skidmore Thoroughbreds Men’s Hockey Coach**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today! It’s an exciting time for the Skidmore men’s hockey team. You’ve reached the NEHC title game twice in the last three seasons. What do you think contributed to that success?
**Coach**: Thank you for having me! Our success has largely resulted from the hard work and commitment of our players. We’ve built a culture of resilience and teamwork, allowing us to excel in high-pressure situations. The playoff victories last year were particularly impressive, showcasing our capability to compete at the highest level.
**Interviewer**: While there were high moments, you faced tough losses to Hobart in both years. How did the team handle that adversity?
**Coach**: Losing to the eventual national champion is always difficult, but we focus on learning and growing from those experiences. Our players reflected on what went wrong, and we’ve used that motivation to fuel our training this season. The goal is clear—our experiences have only strengthened our resolve to pursue the NEHC championship this year.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of this year, you’re transitioning to the SUNYAC next season. How does that impact your approach in the NEHC this year?
**Coach**: This season is particularly special for us, as it’s our last chance to capture the Mariano Cup. We’re treating every game as an opportunity to showcase our abilities and leave our mark on the NEHC. The transition to SUNYAC will be a new challenge, but it highlights the importance of this final season for our program.
**Interviewer**: The team is currently ranked 12th nationally and selected second in the NEHC Preseason Poll. How do you keep the players grounded with that kind of attention?
**Coach**: Rankings and polls are great indicators of respect, but we emphasize the importance of focusing on our development and performance game by game. We cannot overlook any opponent, and we must stay committed to our process. Our mantra is to take it one step at a time and remain humble.
**Interviewer**: The season opener against Wentworth is just around the corner. What are your expectations for that game?
**Coach**: We’re excited! It’s always great to start the season with a competitive matchup. We’ll focus on executing our game plan and establishing our style of play early on. The players have been working hard, and I believe that can translate into a strong performance on the ice.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for your insights, Coach! We’re looking forward to following your team this season.
**Coach**: Thank you! We appreciate the support and can’t wait to hit the ice this weekend.
