SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Skidmore College men's hockey team is out to prove itself as one of several championship hopefuls in the highly competitive New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) in 2022-23.
 
Skidmore's run in last season's conference tournament came to an end at Babson in the conference title game. But first, the Thoroughbreds beat UMass Boston in the road in the quarterfinals before taking out Hobart in the semis. This year, the talented group is not going to surprise anybody. Skidmore was picked third, with one first-place vote, in the NEHC Preseason Coaches' Poll. U.S. College Hockey Online (USCHO) pegs Skidmore at fourth. Skidmore also appeared in the "Others Receiving Votes" section of the USCHO Preseason Poll. Seven NEHC schools were mentioned on the national poll.
 
The Thoroughbreds open play in 2022-23 by hosting Chatham University for a pair of non-conference games this weekend Oct. 28-29. After the teams face off for the opener on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday's 4 p.m. game will serve as Senior Day.
 
"We're very excited to get going this year," said Skidmore head coach Rob Hutchison '07. "This year's group brings a little bit of everything to the table and will be great to work with as they carve out their identity."
 
Six new players join the fold this year to compliment a now experienced group of returners. Of the veterans, goalie Tate Brandon and defenseman Will Dow-Kenny were honored on the NEHC All-Rookie Team as voted upon by league coaches following the 2021-22 campaign. Brandon was also named to the USCHO All-Rookie Team. Additionally, Skidmore returns its leading scorer from a year ago, Kaeden Patrick, who posted 12 goals and 12 assists as a freshman.
 
With two full weeks of practices and a pair of exhibition games under its belt, the team feels prepared for the rigors of the upcoming season. "The focus has been on getting better each day and paying attention to the details and they've really embraced that approach," Hutchison commented.    
 
Each of Skidmore's first five games will be against non-conference opponents. NEHC play kicks off for the Thoroughbreds Nov. 11-12 at New England College and Norwich.