The Hobart hockey team remained the unanimous No. 1 team in the country in the USCHO.com poll, which was released this afternoon. This is the 40th consecutive poll that the Statesmen have been ranked No. 1 and the sixth straight poll that they have been the unanimous top team.
 
Hobart is coming off a 2-0-0 weekend in SUNYAC play that saw it beat Fredonia 7-0 and Buffalo State 6-1 in Western New York. On Friday night, sophomore Connor Shibley made his first collegiate start and stopped all 17 shots he faced as he earned his first career win and shutout. Junior Chris Duclair led the Statesmen offense, recording two goals and an assist. On Saturday, the Statesmen scored four goals in the third period, including three in 47 seconds late in the frame.
 
In addition to being No. 1 in the USCHO.com poll, Hobart is No. 1 in the nation in winning percentage (1.000), scoring defense (1.25) and scoring margin (+4.38). The Statesmen are second in scoring offense (5.63) and power-play percentage (.361).
 
Hobart's potent offense is led by a trio of players with 20-plus points. Senior Kahlil Fontana (14-10) and sophomore Arvega Hovsepyan (7-17) have 24 points each and junior Conor Lally (9-14) has 23 points. Fontana is third in the nation in goals per game (0.88), fourth in power-play goals (5) and ninth in points per game (1.50). Hovsepyan is fourth in the nation in assists per game (1.06) and ninth in points per game (1.50). Lally is 13th in points per game (1.44) and 23rd in assists per game (0.88). Among defenseman Lally is first in the nation in points per game.
 
In goal, senior Damon Beaver improved to 11-0-0 on the season with the win over Buffalo State.  He has a 1.02 GAA and a .943 save percentage with three shutouts. He is first in the nation in winning percentage (1.00) and GAA and ninth in save percentage.
 
Hobart (16-0-0, 9-0-0) will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 23, when it takes on Plattsburgh State. Faceoff at the Ronald B. Stafford Ice Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.