Now that the first flakes of snow have fallen and all but a few fall sports have finished their seasons, the approach of winter sports is imminent and Amherst is looking to the ice for their next successful team to cheer for. Could this be the men's hockey team? After coming off an impressive 18-5-3 record last year, the Lord Jeffs will try to start their season off with a win against Babson College this Friday night at Orr Rink. Last season's lead scorer Bob Miele '02 will look to put up big numbers this year, while Justin Jagher '03 will attempt to fill in the position that first team All-NESCAC player Nick Rieser '01 left in goal. Greg Carr '02 should also help the effort with his scoring and stickhandling abilities. A talented squad of freshmen are expected to help the Jeffs on both the offensive and defensive ends this season as the Amherst men attempt to make the trip to the NCAAs after being narrowly rejected for an at-large bid last season. Friday's game should be a close one considering Babson also had a stellar season last year, finishing with a 15-8-4 record. With 18 returning players, Babson has a great chance of making it to the NCAA tournament at the end of the season. If all goes well, the Jeffs should go on to face UMass-Boston the following day with a tally in the win column.