Courtesy of Brian Beard

When the puck dropped in overtime against Williams College (5–10–2; 4–7–0 NESCAC) last Saturday, Ricky Volpe ’29, along with the rest of the men’s hockey team (11–5–1; 7–3–1 NESCAC), was up for the challenge. The first-year defenseman scored the game-winning goal fed by teammates Louie Marcellino ’29 and Will Rice ’28 in overtime, earning the Polar Bears a 5–4 victory.

While the overtime goal was a highlight of his play, Volpe has been an integral part of the team throughout the season. He ranks third overall on the team in goals scored (seven) and sits at second in blocks (16) so far this season. His defensive and offensive success has earned him opportunities to play in overtime, even as a first year.

“Coach [Ben] Guite and [Coach Al] Washco have enough faith in me to have me out there in such important moments,” Volpe wrote in an email to the Orient. “Knowing that really lets me play my game and allows me to help the team to the best of my abilities.”

Volpe’s success didn’t come without adversity. The transition to the collegiate level was challenging. The overall physicality was the biggest jump Volpe experienced.

“The guys are older, stronger and faster,” Volpe wrote. “As a smaller guy myself, I think just learning how to play against such physical opponents has allowed me to step into a role on our team.”

Volpe is among several first years on the team to step into a big role this season. Volpe said that the group’s cohesion off the ice has allowed the first years to contribute to the team.

“Watching them in practice and games makes me excited for the next four years and thinking about the possibilities,” Volpe wrote.

Volpe also expressed appreciation for the team’s leadership and coaching staff. The support from upperclassmen was crucial in his class’s transition to collegiate hockey.

“They’ve been nothing but supportive and great teammates, and we know they have our back through anything,” Volpe wrote.

Volpe’s recruitment visit fell on last year’s Bowdoin-Colby hockey game. Now, he is excited to come full circle and play in the game that was a selling point in his recruiting process. He and the rest of the team are looking forward to playing in a game filled with pride and history. However, Volpe said that staying composed is how the team plans to come out on top.

“Although it’s a huge matchup and the crowd will be into it, we have to treat it like any other game and fall back on the things that have given us success to this point [as] opposed to letting emotion drive our play,” Volpe wrote.

Beyond the game against Colby College (9–6–2; 5–5–1 NESCAC) tomorrow, Volpe has clear goals in mind for the rest of the season. He hopes to continue contributing on all parts of the ice while developing new aspects of his game. Volpe and the rest of the team have their sights set on a NESCAC championship title.

“We have a great group of guys,” Volpe wrote. “And when we’re playing Bowdoin hockey, we can beat anybody.”