The fifth-ranked Hobart College hockey team will hit the road to open New England Hockey Conference play this weekend Nov. 5-6. The Statesmen will head to Portland, Maine, on Friday night to take on Southern Maine at 7 p.m. The next day, Hobart will be at No. 11 Babson on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.
 
The Statesmen are 2-0-0 to start the season after defeating Oswego 3-1 and Manhattanville 9-2. Wil Crane leads the team with three goals after a hat trick on Saturday against the Valiants. He earned a spot o the NEHC Weekly Honor Roll. Luke Aquaro, the reigning NEHC Rookie of the Week, has two goals and an assist this year. Ethan Mulhearn and Cooper Swift each have three assists. Liam Lascelle got the win on Friday night against the Lakers, making 22 saves.
 
Southern Maine will open its season on Friday night against Hobart. The Huskies were picked to finish eighth in the NEHC Preseason Poll. The game will be the ninth meeting between Hobart and Southern Maine. The Statesmen lead the all-time series 7-1-0. The Huskies won 3-2 in overtime the last time the teams met in Maine.
 
Masks are required for all visitors when at the USM Ice Arena. Anyone attending events at the University of Southern Maine must provide proof of vaccination or an acceptable negative test (within 72 hours) to enter the facility.
 
Fans who cannot make the trip can follow all the action with live stats and video on the Southern Maine's athletic website.
 
Babson is 1-0-0 to start the season and will take on #13 Elmira on Friday night. The Beavers came from behind to beat Plymouth State last Saturday. Five different players recorded a point for Babson. Brad Arvanitis played all 60 minutes in goal making 33 saves.
 
Saturday's game will be the 20th meeting between Hobart and Babson. The Beavers hold a 10-6-4 lead in the series, including a 7-2-1 edge at the Babson Skating Center. The Statesmen however are unbeaten in their last six tries against Babson (4-0-2).
 
At Babson, masks are required indoors for all spectators regardless of vaccination status. Seating and viewing areas may be restricted in some sections of facilities.
 
Fans can follow the action with live stats and video on Babson's athletic website.