Winters in Western Massachusetts bring back many memories for students. From things such as the cold, damp and icy weather to swine flu and cold remedies, there are many reminders of the dismal occurrences of winter. This year, however, those memories should be different. Instead of thinking about soy-sauce covered pant legs and stained shoes, you should think about the sheer brilliance that was exhibited by last year’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. In order to fully appreciate the accomplishments of last year’s teams, there must first be a general understanding of the skills required to make a competent and cohesive team. There needs to be around 25 players who all know each other’s strengths and abilities, who are able to follow the fundamentals of the game, and who are able to endure the punishing blows from other players crashing into them at up to 20 miles per hour. While this may seem like a feasible task to the average person, keep in mind that these players are standing on blades 1/8 of an inch in thickness, and that they continue this for over an hour, for upwards of 24 games a year. With this in mind, when being told that the College is home to the men’s NESCAC Conference Champions and the women’s NCAA Division III Champions, your memories of last winter shouldn’t be dismal, but of absolute awe. When the men’s and women’s teams take to the ice this year, you can guarantee they’ll be thinking about a number of things: playing well, crushing their competitors and repeating last year’s success.

Men

The men’s 2008-2009 hockey team boasted a series of impressive accomplishments and accolades. Along with winning the NESCAC Conference Championship, their first NESCAC title, the team also set an Amherst record with the most wins in a season (22). Ranked ninth in the country to open up the season, the Lord Jeffs have certainly made themselves a force to be reckoned with. The team is aware of the challenges that they will face over the course of the season, but they also realize that they have the talent to overcome the obstacles coming their way. According to All-American goaltender Cole Anderson ’11, “We all believe we have the talent. Now it is a matter of proving it game in and game out.” Size-wise, the team is smaller this year compared to previous years, and with the loss of seven seniors the difficulty of repeating last year’s success is truly a matter of durability and consistency. The incoming first-years, however, are sure to make a significant impact. On defense, the team added freshmen Brandon Hew, Nik Garafalo and transfer Jake Hannon. New to the team offensively are Jamie Hawkrigg, Johnny Van Siclen, Nick Brunette, Dylan Trumble, Mike Moher and transfer Joe Brock. Complementing Anderson in goal will be first-year Nathan Corey. With 10 new players on the team, there will likely be some kinks to work out. Forward Eddie Effinger ’12 stated, “We are young and fast. We might have some growing pains in the beginning of the season, but I think we will make a similar run as last season once our freshman find their roles.” Captain Keith Nelson ’10 summarized the team, saying, “We will be a quick, small and talented team this year that will fight hard every night as we try and defend our NESCAC title.”

Women

When the women’s hockey team hits the ice against Wesleyan on Nov. 20, they will do so as defending National Champions. Consequently, the Jeffs are the top ranked women’s team coming into the season. Under Division III Coach of the Year Jim Plumer, the team is looking to carry the momentum from last year into this season. Although last year was certainly a thrill, the team is looking to put the past behind them and focus on repeating the same success this year. “As defending National Champions, this season will be harder than ever,” said sophomore defenseman Stephanie Clegg. “We need to be able to put last season behind us and focus on achieving the same success this year. We will be the team to beat, so every game will be a challenge, but we’re definitely ready for it.” Last year’s team was, as Plumer said, “the best team in program history,” but the team this year is certainly prepared to do just as well, if not better. With only three new players on the team this season, Amherst will have a solid core of players returning. Led by the Class of 2010, the Jeffs will face its most difficult schedule since the program’s inception. Don’t expect the team to back down, though. “We are a very hard-working, self-motivated team and we know that last year’s success only means that we have to work even harder this season and everyone on our team is ready and excited to do so,” said forward Josie Fisher ’12. Regardless of how they do, the Jeffs are looking forward to the season. “We are excited to start playing games and see what we can do against Wesleyan on Nov. 20-21,” senior forward Kate Dennett said. With both talent and depth, the women’s hockey team will no doubt bring excitement and fun to ice. The only thing fans need to do is not miss it.