Men’s Ice Hockey Downs Elmira; Skating on to the Final Four

Ashley McDermott ’26

On Saturday, March 16, the men’s ice hockey team took down Elmira College at the Koeppel Ice Rink. For a full 60 minutes, the team played with clean shots and passes as well as a tough defense, particularly in response to an accelerated third period. They scored two goals, shutting out Elmira. The rink was packed with fans from both colleges, intensifying the already electric energy that filled Koeppel.

Both teams came out of the gate with severe force, hungering for a win. Within the first period, the Bantams had a power play with forward #18 Alex Mozian ’25 putting the puck in the net. The play came with an assist from forward #23 James Barbour ’27. The team once again chipped the puck past the Elmira goalie, with a shot from forward #22 Gerard Marretta ’24 and assists from forward #17 Connor Sedlak ’27 and forward #13 Devan Tongue ’24. The first period ended with a power play for Elmira, which went over briefly into the second period. The Eagles, however, did not soar that puck past Trinity goalie #39 Devon Bobak ’26. They had another opportunity to succeed in a power play in the second period, but Elmira could not find the back of the net. This is a real celebration for the Bantams, particularly for Bobak and fellow defensemen as Elmira’s hockey team has been named number one in power plays.

While neither team scored in the second period, one came close from the Eagles, yet the referees dismissed this attempt, keeping the score two to nothing. After the puck dropped in the third, the Eagles came out of the gate with intensity to keep the game in the Bantams’ zone. With only three minutes left in the third period, Elmira pulled their goalie to add an extra player on the ice, increasing pressure on the Bantams. This play was futile, as Trinity played impenetrable defense, taking rebounds to the corner and driving the puck to the outside. Clearing 35 saves in this game, and claiming his seventh shutout this season, it is no surprise that the Eagles couldn’t get the puck past the Bantams and resident “Brick Wall” Bobak. The team celebrated an enduring game by advancing to the Frozen Four.

The Bantams skate on to the NCAA Championship Finals for the first time since the 2016-17 season. They improve to 24-3-1 in this season and will play again this Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. against Adrian College at the Koeppel Ice Rink. Look on the Bantam Sports website or @bantamsports on Instagram for ticket information.