The Wesleyan men’s hockey team participated in NESCAC action against Hamilton College on Saturday afternoon, resulting in a bittersweet outcome for the Cardinals. Despite an impressive performance from junior defenseman Jack Kane, who scored his first-career goal as a Cardinal, the team ultimately fell to Hamilton with a score of 5-2.
The game began swiftly with Hamilton’s Jackson Krock scoring a goal in less than a minute, giving the Continentals an early lead. However, Wesleyan responded effectively, with Jack Kane scoring his inaugural goal for the team, leveling the game at 1-1. This was a noteworthy achievement for Kane as he successfully found the back of the net after receiving a pass from Ethan Davidson.
During the second period, Hamilton surged ahead with two additional goals, courtesy of Krock and Logan Greene, bringing the score to 3-1 in favor of the Continentals. Nonetheless, Wesleyan did not concede defeat, and Owen Sweet managed to narrow the lead with a goal in the final second of the period. Sweet’s goal marked his sixth of the season, demonstrating his skill and valuable contribution to the team.
As the game progressed into the third period, Hamilton’s Deven de Vries and Noah Leibl increased their lead, ultimately securing the victory for the Continentals. Despite the loss, Owen Sweet emerged as a standout player for the Cardinals, leading the team with seven shots on goal, while Ethan Davidson delivered a commendable performance with a two-point game.
In the goal for the Cardinals, Marc Smith displayed valiant efforts with 35 saves, showcasing his resilience between the posts. Conversely, Jack Grant made 33 saves for the Continentals, contributing to his team’s victory.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will have the opportunity to refocus and return stronger as they prepare to face Middlebury on Friday, February 1. This presents another chance for the team to demonstrate their talent and determination on the ice.
Overall, despite the defeat, the game against Hamilton underscored the skill and spirit of the Wesleyan men’s hockey team. With players such as Jack Kane and Owen Sweet making significant contributions to the game, the team is poised to rebound and give their best in the upcoming matches.