The top-seeded Hobart College hockey team continues its quest for the Mariano Cup tomorrow, Feb. 25, when it welcomes fifth-seeded Skidmore College to The Cooler for a New England Hockey Conference semifinal contest. Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
The Statesmen bring a 24-2-0 record into the weekend. Hobart defeated Castleton 7-3 in last Saturday's quarterfinal contest. The Statesmen scored five goals in the third period as they rallied to defeat the Spartans. Sophomore Luke Aquaro and first-year Tanner Daniels each scored twice in the victory.
 
The Thoroughbreds are 16-8-2 overall. They advanced to the semifinals with a 4-3 overtime victory over Elmira last Saturday. Matthew Monk tied the game with three seconds left in regulation to force the extra session. Kaden Patrick scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
 
Fans who can't make the trip to The Cooler can follow all the action with HWS All-Acces and Live Stats. The game will be broadcast on WHWS-FM (105.7 in Geneva).
 
ABOUT THE STATESMEN

• Hobart is led by sophomore forward Luke Aquaro. He has 33 points on 17 goals and 16 assists. He is seventh in the nation in goals per game (0.77) and points per game (1.50).  
• Aquaro's linemates, junior Jonah Alexander and sophomore Shane Shell are tied for the team lead with 17 assists each.
• First-year goaltender Damon Beaver has the edge in minutes played. The NEHC Rookie of the Year has a record of 13-2-0  with a 1.07 GAA and a .953 save percenteage. He leads the nation in both GAA and save percentage.
• Hobart leads the NEHC in scoring offense (4.08 gpg) and scoring defense (1.23).

 
ABOUT THE THOROUGHBREDS

• Everett Wardle leads Skidmore with 21 assists, for 28 points.
• Kaeden Patrick has a team-high 14 goals. He is second with 23 points.
• Goalie Tate Brandon has played the majority of the minutes in goal for the Thoroughbreds. He has a GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .918. 
• Skidmore is third in the NEHC in scoring offense (3.38) and is fourth in scoring defense (2.62).

 
SERIES HISTORY

• Saturday will be the 23rd meeting between the Statesmen and the Thoroughbreds. 
• Hobart leads the all-time series 17-4-1, including a 10-2-0 mark at the Cooler.
• The Statesmen swept the regular season meetings with a pair of 4-0 victories.
• In last year's NEHC tournament, Skidmore defeated Hobart 3-2 in the semifinals at The Cooler.