The Mustangs (19-5-1) men’s ice hockey team ended the season with a 3-2 win over Wilkes University, now looking to attack the playoffs starting Wednesday, Feb. 21.
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The ‘Stangs totaled 48 points in the regular season, confidently leading the Middle Atlantic Conference and second in the United Collegiate Hockey Conference. After defeating No. 3 Wilkes, they have secured the second seed and home-rink advantage in the first round of playoffs starting at 5 p.m.
Liam McCanney, a junior forward who was the 2023 UCHC Player of the Year and a Division II-III First Team East All-American, finished the last game with his sixth game-winning goal, showing why he deserves such prestigious rewards and recognition.
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As McCanney has been killing it on the attack, Ty Outen has been holding down the fort in goal, recording 699 saves this season with a .946 save percentage.
“I thought it was a good season,” McCanney said. “We broke the [program] record for most wins in a season, which is a huge accomplishment within itself. We’ve completed two out of three of our goals we made as a team so far, which is winning the MAC and coming within the top two of the UCHC.”
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The winning did not come from skill alone, but also the relationships and connections that were built throughout the season.
“Over the course of the season we’ve grown closer as a team, and I believe the chemistry has helped us win so many games,” McCanney said. “Having such a great season with 19 wins, we are going into playoffs with a great attitude.”
Utica University will be the toughest opponent in the postseason. After splitting the season series with one loss and one nail-biting shootout win, the ‘Stangs plan on taking the first-place position from the Pioneers and returning home with a trophy.
The team begin their playoff run tomorrow, hosting No. 7 King’s College at Reisterstown Sportsplex, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.
2024 UCHC Men's Hockey Championship Tournament Schedule
Wednesday, February 21 (Quarterfinals)
No. 8 Nazareth at No. 1 Utica – 7 p.m.
No. 7 King's at No. 2 Stevenson – 5 p.m.
No. 6 Chatham at No. 3 Wilkes – 5 p.m.
No. 5 Manhattanville at No. 4 Alvernia – 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 24 (Semifinals)
Lowest Seeded Quarterfinal Winner at Highest Seeded Quarterfinal Winner - TBA
Second Lowest Seeded Quarterfinal Winner at Second Highest Seeded Quarterfinal Winner - TBA
Saturday, March 2 (Championship)
Lowest Seeded Semifinal Winner at Highest Seeded Semifinal Winner – TBA