The top-ranked Hobart hockey team continued its dominant start to the season with a 7-0 nonconference victory over Middlebury on Saturday afternoon at Chip Kenyon Arena. The Statesmen scored three times in the opening period and improved to 12-0-0 on the season, extending their winning streak to 18 games and their unbeaten streak to 25.
First-year Adam Ondris led Hobart with two goals and an assist. Junior Conor Lally and sophomore Josh Doolan each scored twice, while junior Chris Duclair added a goal in the second period. Hobart controlled play throughout the game, outshooting Middlebury 45-17 and limiting the Panthers to just 17 shots on goal.
Senior goaltender Damon Beaver turned aside all 17 shots he faced to earn his third shutout of the season and the 22nd of his career. Middlebury starter Andrew Heinze made 29 saves in just over 47 minutes before Conor Sullivan finished the game in relief with nine saves.
Hobart opened the scoring midway through the first period and added two more goals in a span of less than five minutes to take a 3-0 lead after one. Ondris made it 4-0 early in the second period, and Duclair extended the advantage to five later in the frame. The Statesmen added two more goals in the third period, including a power-play tally, to complete the shutout.
Hobart finished 1-for-5 on the power play, while Middlebury was held scoreless on two man-advantage opportunities. Middlebury fell to 4-3-2 on the season.
Hobart returns to action on Friday, January 9, when it hosts Cortland at Chip Kenyon Arena with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.