Chris Thornton

January 22, 2003

GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart College senior and co-captain Chris Thornton (Oyster Bay, N.Y.) notched a natural hat trick this evening to lead the Statesmen hockey team to a 5-0 victory over visiting Buffalo State. Hobart increases its unbeaten streak to five games, including a three game win streak.

After a scoreless first period featuring 22 shots on goal, the Statesmen (11-6-1) opened up play just five minutes into the second session when Thornton received a pass from first-year Matthew Garman (Wexford, Pa.) rifling it past Bengals’ (3-12-1) goalie Steve Thering (Fairport, N.Y.). Just under eight minutes later, Thornton struck again sneaking the puck into the net off another Garman assist to put the Statesmen in front 2-0 going into the final period.

The senior and first-year forwards hooked up again just two minutes into the third period to give Thornton his third score and Garman his third assist of the game. Sophomore Colby McVey (Chicago, Ill.) and first-year Edward Poirier (Methuen, Mass.) each added a goal in the final session to give Hobart the 5-0 win. Sophomore Andy Kasprzak (Farmington, Conn.) contributed two assists on the night as well, including one on the game-winning score.

Sophomore goaltender Adam Lavelle (Chelmsford, Mass.) was outstanding between the pipes making 24 saves to record his first shutout of the season. He needs just two more wins to tie the Hobart career mark of 23 wins currently held by Gabe Halleus ’92. Buffalo State’s Thering also went the distance grabbing 35 saves for the night.

The Statesmen hit the ice again on Jan. 25, when Brockport State visits the Geneva Recreation Complex. Faceoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.