The William Smith College ice hockey team begins its quest for its first New England Hockey Conference championship Saturday, Feb. 19, when it travels to Gorham, Maine. The Herons, who are the sixth seed will take on third seeded Southern Maine at 4 p.m. at the USM Ice Arena.
 
William Smith is 9-14-1 overall this season and wrapped up NEHC play with a 7-9-1 record thanks to a 3-2 victory over No. 8 Norwich last Saturday. The Herons used a three-game win streak to move up to the sixth spot in the conference standings. A strong defensive side, William Smith is 11th in the nation in shutouts (4), 16th in the nation in penalty killing percentage (.919) and shorthanded goals (2) and 21st in scoring defense (2.04).
 
NEHC Goalie of the Week Amanda Aalto leads the defensive effort. She is 6-6-1 overall this season with a 2.00 goals against average and a .927 save percentage.  Aalto is responsible for three of William Smith's shutouts, 10th most in the nation. She is just outside the top 25 in GAA and save percentage.
 
On the offensive end of the ice, Julianna Gong and Emily Martino share the team lead with 12 points each. Gong has had at least a point in five of the last six games. Ten of her 12 points have come in those games, including three against Johnson & Wales. A second team All-NEHC selection, Martino leads the team with nine assists. Mia LaPlante leads the team with seven goals.
 
Southern Maine is 15-9-0 overall this season and wrapped up conference play with a 12-6-0 overall record. The Huskies are also winners of their last three games. Madison Chagnon leads the team with 11 goals and 15 points. Shannon Colbert has nine assists. NEHC Goalie and Rookie of the Year Haley McKim has played all but 62:14 in net this season. She is 11-9-0 with a 1.96 GAA and a .937 save percentage.
 
The Huskies hold a 2-0-0 edge in the all-time series with both matchups coming earlier this year. On Jan 15, Southern Maine squeaked out a 1-0 victory in Gorham.
 
Spectators will be allowed at the USM Ice Arena. Fans making the trip to Gorham must provide proof of vaccination or an acceptable negative test (within 72 hours) to enter the facility, negative tests must be administered by a qualified provider, at-home tests are not permissible. Children under five will be required to comply with a symptom check. Masks are required for all persons at Southern Maine's indoor facilities. Fans who cannot make the trip, can follow the action with live stats and video courtesy of the Little East Network.