Sports
Men’s ice hockey to play home opener at historic Clinton Arena
By Alexandra Orlov '13, Sports Contributor
November 10, 2011
Been craving the slash of blades on ice, the thwack of stick against puck, the roar of the bleachers in Sage Arena? Never fear, hockey fans. The men’s hockey team plays its home opener against SUNY Cortland on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at Clinton Arena.
Last season, the men’s team succeeded in winning the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) with their record of 11-4-4. The men’s overall record was 14-7-4. Though the team was seeded No. 1 in the conference championship for the first time, the Wesleyan Cardinals beat the Continentals during the championship quarterfinals.
Nicknamed “road warriors” last year, the men’s team prevailed through numerous away games and ended the season with an 11-3-1 away record. Notably, the Continentals beat SUNY Oswego, then-seeded No. 1 in Div. III.
Captain Brian Kelly ’12 and seniors Anthony Scarpino '12, Sam Choate '12 and BJ Lalonde '12 lead the squad this season. The program will miss two-time captain and scoring powerhouse Joe Buicko ’11, who tallied 86 goals for Hamilton during his Hamilton career.
NESCAC rookie of the year Michael DiMare '14 will hopefully bury some pucks for the Continentals this season. Last season DiMare scored 15 goals, the highest of any NESCAC freshman. Scarpino, Kelly and Anthony Ruberto ’13 are other top scorers for Hamilton.
The Continentals also have a notoriously strong defense, led by Lalonde and Andrew White ’13. Named “Most Improved Player” by the coaching staff last year, Phil DiDonato ’13 will also provide the Continentals with key blocks. Returning goalies include Cam Gibbar ’13 and Joe Quattrocchi ’14.
The home opener against SUNY Cortland on Nov. 22 at Clinton Arena will be a fundraiser for Clinton Youth Hockey. Federal Access Credit Union will provide “thunderstix” to the first 500 fans, and admission to the game will be $5 for anyone over the age of 14.