The next weekend would prove to be more of a challenge for the Jeffs, as the team faced 10th-ranked Williams College and eighth-ranked Middlebury College. In the showcase against Williams, the Jeffs were able come up with a 4-1 win, even though the Ephs outshot them 44-31. Junior goalie Cole Anderson ’11 made 43 saves on the night as the Jeffs dealt the Ephs their first loss of the season in front of nearly 1,900 demoralized Williams fans. The level of intensity would increase the next day, as Amherst faced Middlebury in another hostile environment. The Jeffs and Panthers took a seesaw battle into overtime, which ended in a 3-3 tie.
On Jan. 12, the Jeffs continued their unbeaten streak against Hamilton College. With a late third period push, the Jeffs were able to push across three goals to come out on top, winning 6-4. Junior forward Matt Rhone ’11 converted a rare hat trick by scoring his third goal with an empty net and less than 30 seconds to play. Although it was not the prettiest of victories, it was of critical importance as it boosted the once 14th-ranked Jeffs in both the NESCAC and national rankings.
Amherst faced off against Connecticut College and Tufts University during the next weekend. On Jan. 15, the Jeffs tied Connecticut 2-2 following goals from Ted Vickers ’10 and Luke Arnold ’11. Amherst took to the ice against Tufts the next day and had a much more convincing box score, winning 2-0, while more than doubling the shot output from Tufts, 40-19. Senior Jack Baer ’10 and freshman Jamie Hawkrigg ’13 put goals in for Amherst, while Anderson tended to a shutout between the pipes.
This past weekend featured the Jeffs in two conference games against Skidmore College and Castleton State. Amherst skated to a 2-1 win against Skidmore last Friday, with sophomore forward Eddie Effinger ’12 scoring both goals for the Jeffs in the third period for a come-from-behind victory. The Jeffs took this momentum to their next game against Castleton. Amherst skated to a strong start and scored two goals in the first period. Although Amherst was outshot 29-21, they were able to convert on the chances they were given, and were able to come out with a victory.
The past few weeks have featured some high quality hockey from the Lord Jeffs, but there has also been some inconsistent play.
“Our performances of late have been good enough to win, but a bit uneven,” said head coach Jack Arena. “We’d like to establish a level of performance that is closer to our potential and maintain it a little more consistently.” A major factor in favor of Amherst is their will to win, and their belief that they can win at any time. “The team is rolling at the moment,” said Ted Vickers. “We’re finding ways to win in tough situations and coming together as a team, getting contributions from each guy on the roster.”
The Jeffs will do their best to continue their 11-game unbeaten streak this weekend. They will to take the ice at Orr Rink against the University of New England at 7 p.m. on Friday and the University of Southern Maine at 3 p.m. on Saturday.