The sixth-ranked Hobart College ice hockey team is scheduled to wrap up its regular season this weekend, Feb. 11-12, when it hits the road for a pair of New England Hockey Conference contests. On Friday, the Statesmen will be in Henniker, New Hampshire, to take on New England College at 7 p.m. The next day, Hobart will face 13th-ranked Norwich in Northfield, Vermont, at 4 p.m.
 
The Statesmen are 16-4-2 overall this season with an 11-2-2 mark in NEHC play. Hobart is first in the conference standings with 34 points. With two games remaining, the Statesmen have locked up a home playoff game in the quarterfinals and with three points this weekend could secure home-ice advantage throughout the conference tournament.
 
Entering the weekend, Hobart is ranked in the top 25 in the nation in several categories. The Statesmen are fourth in the nation in scoring offense (5.0 gpg), assists (199) and points (309). Hobart is sixth in the nation in scoring margin (2.73), eighth in winning percentage (.773), 19th in power-play percentage (.234) and 20th in scoring defense (2.27).
 
Individually, Hobart is led by Luke Aquaro. The reigning NEHC Rookie of the Week has 26 points on 12 goals and 14 assists. Aaron Maguyon is right behind him with 24 points on 14 goals and 10 assists. Zach Tyson has a team-best 15 assists this year. In total, 13 players have double digits in points this season. Liam Lascelle and Joe Halstrom continue to split time in goal. Lascelle is 7-3-1 with a 2.38 goals against average and a .908 save percentage. Halstrom is 7-1-1 with a 2.23 GAA and a .901 save percentage.
 
New England College, which is receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll, brings a 12-8-1 overall record and a 7-8-1 mark in conference play into Friday's game. The Pilgrims are currently seventh in the conference standings, two points behind Skidmore. Alex LaPlante leads the team with 27 points and 17 goals. Trevor Momot has a team-best 14 helpers on the year. Andrew Kormos and Spencer Kozlowski have split time in goal this season. Kormos is 8-4-0 this season with a 2.75 GAA and a .921 save percentage. Kozlowski is 3-4-1 with a 1.76 GAA and a .948 save percentage.
 
Friday's game will be the 11th all-time meeting between Hobart and New England College. The Statesmen lead the series 7-2-1, but the Pilgrims have a 2-1-1 advantage on home ice. Hobart knocked off NEC 2-1 last month at The Cooler.  Zach Tyson scored the game-winning goal in the second period. Lascelle made 20 saves as he earned the victory in goal.
 
Fans are welcome at New England College's Lee Clement Arena. All spectators must be properly masked at any indoor athletic events and are encouraged to maintain social distance, when possible. Fans who cannot make the trip can follow all the action with live stats and video on New England College's athletic website.
 
Norwich brings a 12-4-4 overall record into the weekend and will host ninth-ranked Elmira on Friday. The Cadets are 9-4-3 in the NEHC and have 29 points. Norwich is tied for fourth in the conference standings and could finish anywhere from second to sixth in the tightly contested NEHC. Clark Kerner leads the Cadets with 27 points on 14 goals and 13 assists. Devon Becker has a team-high 23 assists. Drennen Atherton has played a majority of the minutes in goal. He is 8-1-4 with a 1.86 GAA and a .930 save percentage.
 
Saturday's game will be the 14th meeting between Hobart and Norwich. The Cadets hold a 7-5-1 edge in the series, including a 5-4-0 mark at Kreitzberg Arena. The Statesmen defeated Norwich 4-3 in overtime back on Jan. 7 at The Cooler. Maguyon scored 45 seconds into the extra frame to secure the victory.
 
Spectators are welcome at Kreitzberg Arena, but all fans, regardless of COVID vaccination status are required to wear a properly fitting mask over their mouth and nose. Fans unable to make the trip to Northfield, Vermont, can follow all the action with live stats and video on Norwich's athletic website.