Box Score GENEVA, N.Y.—Hobart College sophomore Thomas Kelliher (Rochester, N.Y.) became the first goalie in Statesmen hockey history to post consecutive shutouts after he turned away all 25 of Buffalo State’s shots to earn a 3-0 victory tonight at the Geneva Recreation Complex. Kelliher’s first shutout came in a 5-0 win over Brockport State this past Saturday.

Despite combining for 23 shots and four power-play opportunities, neither team was able to get on board in the first period. However, Hobart (8-6-5) needed just 2:09 into the second frame to take a 1-0 lead on a goal by sophomore Lee Carrier (Ballston Lake, N.Y.), his second of the season. Ten minutes later junior Jesse Desper (West Kennebunk, Maine) doubled the score, converting a breakaway chance on a perfect pass from junior defenseman Stephen Mitacek (Wantagh, N.Y.).

Carrier connected for the second time in the contest midway through the third period, on a centering pass from Mike McCarthy (Medfield, Mass.). The winger has recently caught fire, tallying three goals in the past two games.

The Statesmen were strong on defense all evening, allowing the Bengals (5-13-0) just 25 shots on goal, including only eight during their four power-play opportunities. Hobart has killed 16 consecutive penalties and has not allowed an extra-man goal in over three games.

Getting his third start in as many games, Kelliher moved to a perfect 3-0 and improved his save percentage to .971 for the season. He ups his shutout streak to 126:01 minutes, dating back to the third period of the Brockport State game on Jan. 23.

Buffalo State goalie Sean Sheehan went the distance, grabbing 37 saves, including 17 in the second period.

Following the game, Head Coach Mark Taylor, who, late last week, lost his brother Steve to a heart attack, credited Assistant Coach Matt Lindsay and former Hobart defenseman and current Assistant Football Coach Matt Daley ’03 with tonight’s win.

“Matt Lindsay did a great job preparing our kids this week, and Matt Daley has gone above and beyond for the program this week,” Taylor said. “I was just along for the ride tonight.”

The Statesmen resume ECAC West action on Jan. 31, traveling to RIT. Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m, at the Frank Ritter Ice Arena.

—HWS SPORTS—