The Bowdoin Men's Hockey Team improved its record at home to 9-0-0 and gained sole possession of first place in the NESCAC in doing so. For whatever reason, opponents have been unable to decipher the mystery that is Dayton Arena this season.
Senior captain Bryan Ciborowski has his own theory: "The atmosphere in Dayton is great and our team thrives off of it," he said.
Both games from last weekend were tight and thrilling affairs for the Polar Bears. Tim McVaugh '07 got the show started on his impressive weekend by scoring two goals in the first period against Trinity.
First-years Mitch Dillon and Colin MacCormick added a goal apiece in the second frame to put the hosts up 4-1. This dominating lead evaporated quickly, however, as Trinity responded with three consecutive goals in the final stanza.
The hometown faithful never lost faith, though, and MacCormick rewarded the 1,425 on hand by drilling home the gamewinner from the blue line with six minutes remaining.
The Polar Bears kept the intensity up the following day in a contest that held sole possession of first place in the NESCAC in the balance.
Bowdoin took an early lead against Wesleyan when Dillon slapped home a Greg McConnell '07 centering pass five minutes into the game. The Cardinals responded forcefully by scoring two unanswered goals and controlling the play over the next twenty five minutes. The hosts were up to the task with the help of NESCAC player of the week McVaugh, who put the finishing touches on his excellent weekend by equalizing on a rebound off a Brian Fry '10 blue line shot.
The final period was all Bowdoin as the home team controlled the puck well and held out until Sebastien Belanger '08 scored the go-ahead goal with just over four minutes to go.
McVaugh's talent was really showcased throughout these two contests. A forward and defenseman, he brings a lot of "size and intensity to the dynamics of the team," according to Ciborowski.
McVaugh managed to have a hand in four of the five points against Trinity (two goals, two assists) including the gamewinner, really used his experience to ensure Bowdoin success over Senior Week.
Taking sole possession of first place in the NESCAC is a real accomplishment for a team that has not been given a lot of respect this season.
"Our team has defied all expectations everyone has had for us this year," Ciborowski said. "If someone thinks that they will easily take it from us, they've got another thing coming."
The two victories also put Bowdoin in the position to obtain home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs if they earn at least three points this weekend (one win, one tie). The Polar Bears will face off against Norwich tonight and then St. Michaels Saturday (both games are out of conference play). With the prospect of having all the benefits of home-ice throughout the NESCACs, many involved acknowledge the significance of this weekend's events.
None more so than Ciborowski, who said, "We are doing everything we can to get more games at Dayton."