The men’s hockey team picked up its first win of the season this past Saturday, defeating Trinity 5-4 in the McCabe Tournament at Amherst College. The Cardinals trailed 4-1 in the third period, but showed incredible perseverance with four goals in an 11 minute span to take the lead.

Chris Graceffa ’08, seeing his first action of the young season, scored the game winner beating the Trinity keeper after a scramble for the loose puck in the front of the net. Mike Palladino ’09 replaced starting keeper Dave Scardella ’07 early in the third period and made eight saves in the last 15 minutes of the game to secure the “W.”

“Coming back from a 4-1 deficit with only 12 minutes remaining in the game was pretty huge for us,” said co-captain Ryan Hendrickson ’07. “We refused to give up, and once we made it 4-2, I think everyone believed we had a real shot at winning the game.  It was really important for us to win a game like that because now we are confident that no matter what the situation, we always have a chance to win.”

The following day, the Cards faced Amherst College for the second time in four games. Unfortunately, after jumping out to a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal by freshman stud David Layne ’10, and then again to a 2-1 lead in the second period after a goal by Woody Redpath ’10, the Cards were unable to stop the Lord Jeffs. Amherst went on to win by a 6-3 margin.

Wesleyan opened up its season Nov. 17 against Amherst, where it once again jumped out to an early lead but was unable to preserve it. Layne started his collegiate career with two goals and one assist, while fellow freshman Josh Beck started his career with one goal and one assist. The other goal scorer on the night for Wesleyan was reigning NESCAC rookie of the year Dallas Bossort ’09.

“It was a tough way to lose,” said co-captain Ryan Hendrickson ’07 following the game. “We had a great start taking a two goal lead after the first, but we had some uncharacteristically bad defensive breakdowns and they capitalized when we put them on the power play late in the game.”  

The next evening the Cards hosted Hamilton College, looking to improve on a respectable showing in their season opener. This time Wesleyan fell behind 2-0 in the second period and was able to fight their ways back into the game. David Layne ’10 scored two power play goals after Hamilton’s Pat McGarry received a five-minute major penalty for a brutal hit from behind. McGarry then received a game misconduct penalty and was tossed from the game. Layne scored both goals in less than two minutes to propel the Cards back in the game. His goals were assisted by Taylor Evans ’07, Dave Scardella ’07, and Will Bennett ’07, who had an assist on both goals.

Bossort put the Cards ahead in the third period on another power play goal, once again assisted by Bennett and also Scott Burns ’09. Unfortunately, Hamilton was able to tie the game with less than two minutes to go, and after a scoreless overtime, the teams tied 3-3.

“Although the loss and tie were very disappointing, both games were extremely winnable and the team showed great potential. Our freshman class is probably the best in the NESCAC and I expect us to only get better as the season goes on,” said co-captain Will Bennett ’07, who leads the team and NESCAC with eight assists after four games.

David Layne ’10 is the current NESCAC leader in goal scoring with six in the first four games. He sits third in the league in points with eight, tied with Bennett.

Despite their slow start (1-2-1), the Cards have high hopes for their 2007 campaign. With such a young squad it will take time for the team to get on rhythm, but once they do, the Cardinals could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NESCAC.

“I am confident we will accomplish our goal of hosting a home playoff game,” Bennett said.

Wesleyan’s season continues this weekend when they travel to the Boston area for two games. Friday night they play Babson College, who they lost to 4-1 last season, and Saturday night they travel to UMASS-Boston who they embarrassed last season 7-2.