The Hobart hockey team is ranked first in the first USCHO.com poll of the season, which was released this afternoon. The Statesmen received all 20 votes, making them the unanimous choice for the top spot. This is the 32nd consecutive poll in which Hobart has been ranked No. 1.
 
The Statesmen opened their season with a weekend sweep of Route 14 rival Elmira. On Friday night, Hobart used a pair of third-period goals to defeat the Soaring Eagles 3-1 at the Murray Athletic Center. Saturday afternoon, Hobart scored five goals in the second period as it cruised to a 6-0 victory at The Cooler.
 
Six different Statesmen had multi-point weekends in the victories. Senior Damon Beaver started in goal on Friday and made 13 saves as he picked up the victory. On Saturday, Mavrick Goyer stopped all 19 shots he faced, earning the shutout.
 
Hobart will be back in action this weekend when it takes on seventh-ranked Utica (0-2-0) in a home-and-home series. The Statesmen and Pioneers will square off on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York, at 7 p.m. Advanced tickets can be purchased online. Tickets will also be available at the door.
 
On Saturday, the teams will faceoff at The Cooler at 4 p.m. Tickets for regular season contests at The Cooler cost $5 (cash or credit card) and will go on sale 60 minutes before opening faceoff. Children 12 and under are free as are HWS students, faculty and staff who present a valid HWS OneCard.