February 21, 2007

ELMIRA, N.Y.—The Hobart College hockey team lost in overtime to Elmira College 5-4 in the first round of the ECAC West Playoffs. The Soaring Eagles twice overcame two-goal deficits to force the extra session and won on a shot by Justin Joy from between the circles that slipped under just the crossbar.

The shot spoiled an otherwise strong outing by sophomore goalie Keith Longo who finished with 40 saves. Ryan Adler gave the Statesmen a 1-0 lead with the lone goal of the first period, driving a slap shot home from the blue line.

Early in the second period, Shawn Houde put Hobart up 2-0 with his team-leading 15th goal of the year. Elmira got back in the contest with power-play goals at the 6:35 and 12:38 marks. The Statesmen jumped back in front with 49 seconds remaining in the frame on another Houde goal.

Forty-nine seconds into the third period, Jonathan Swift stuffed home a shot on the edge of the crease to lift Hobart to a 4-2 advantage, but the Eagles responded with even strength goals at the 7:39 and 10:34 marks to force OT.

Elmira could have ended things in the final two minutes of regulation when Swift was whistled for hooking, but the Statesmen penalty kill stood strong. Hobart was 0 for 2 on the power play, while the Eagles were 2 of 5. The Soaring Eagles also held a 45-33 advantage on shots.