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.
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.
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.”
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.
