The Hobart hockey team begins its quest to defend its 2024-25 national championship ranked No. 1 in the USCHO.com preseason poll. The Statesmen received all 20 first votes. Hobart opens its 2025-26 campaign Oct. 31 when it begins a home-and-home series with Route 14 rival Elmira.
 
The Statesmen were unbeaten over their final 13 games (12-0-1) on their way to claiming their third consecutive national title. Hobart finished the year with a 29-1-1 overall record and defeated Utica 2-1 in overtime on the Pioneers' home ice to lift the trophy.
 
Over the last two seasons, Hobart is 86-5-2, including a 52-0-0 record at The Cooler. The Statesmen have won an NCAA Division III record 53 straight games at home. Hobart has made 10 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
 
The Statesmen return 23 players from last year's squad, including four of its top five goal scorers. AHCA All-America East first team selection, senior Tanner Daniels led Hobart in 2024-25 with 40 points on 18 goals and 22 assists on his way to being named the New England Hockey Conference Player of the Year. Junior Chris Duclair (16), senior Kahlil Fontana (10) and Dominic Schimizzi (10) all had double digits in points last year.
 
Defensively, Hobart will be anchored by the dynamic duo of seniors Damon Beaver and Mavrick Goyer. The NEHC Goaltender of the Year, Beaver, was 17-1-1 overall and was second in the nation in GAA (1.14) and save percentage (.952). Goyer was an All-NEHC third team selection with a 12-0-1 overall record and was first in the nation in GAA (0.84) and save percentage (.956) last year. Junior defensemen Conor Lally and Bauer Morrissey were named to the All-NEHC third team last year.
 
Hobart will play three teams ranked or receiving votes in the USCHO preseason poll. The slate will be highlighted by a national championship rematch with No. 2 Utica. The teams will play Nov. 6 in Utica and Nov. 8 at The Cooler. The Statesmen will take on No. 12 Oswego on Dec. 5 and Feb. 6 and Cortland, which is receiving votes on Jan. 9 and Feb. 6.