For the sixth straight week, the Hobart College hockey team was ranked second in the DCU/USCHO.com poll. The Statesmen received five first place votes.
 
Hobart (25-2-0) defeated Skidmore 1-0 on Saturday to advance to the New England Hockey Conference Championship game for the fourth time in five seasons in the conference. Graduate student Zach Tyson scored the lone goal three minutes into the second period. First-year Damon Beaver made 26 saves as he earned his seventh shutout of the season.
 
The Statesmen enter the week ranked first in the nation in winning percentage (.926) and scoring defense (2.78). Hobart is third in scoring margin (+3.96), ninth in penalty-killing percentage (.891) and 14th in power-play percentage (.233).
 
Sophomore Luke Aquaro leads the team with 17 goals and 33 points. His linemates junior Jonah Alexander and sophomore Shane Shell share the team lead with 17 assists. Aquaro is first in the nation with six game-winning goals. He is eighth in goals per game (.74) and is 10th in points per game (1.43).
 
First-year Damon Beaver is first in the nation in GAA (1.00) and save percentage (.953). His seven shutouts are the most in the country.
 
Hobart will be back in action Saturday, March 4, when it takes on 13th-ranked Babson in the NEHC title tilt. Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Beavers are the defending champions.