SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The Skidmore College men's ice hockey team has reached the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) title game twice in the past three seasons, driven by a pair of home playoff wins last year. For the second consecutive year, however, the Thoroughbreds were eliminated by eventual national champion Hobart.

This season, a veteran group has its sights set on one goal: capturing the last NEHC championship and making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. There's plenty of work ahead, and the team remains focused on one step at a time—an approach that has elevated it into one of the nation's premier programs in recent years. Following this season, Skidmore will transition to the SUNYAC as an associate member, making this their final opportunity to hoist the Mariano Cup, a challenge they fully embrace.

Currently ranked 12th nationally by USCHO and DIIIHockeyNews, Skidmore was picked second in the NEHC Preseason Poll. The Thoroughbreds open their 2024-25 season on the road against Wentworth on Saturday at 3 p.m.

THE SCHEDULE AHEAD
This year's non-conference schedule is brief. With 11 NEHC teams and a newly formatted schedule, Skidmore will host Babson on Nov. 8 and 9. The home opener on Friday, Nov. 8, will be both Pack the Rink Night and Senior Day. The Skidmore Thanksgiving Classic, set for Nov. 30-Dec. 1, will feature Skidmore, Lake Forest, Hamilton, and Fredonia.

Key matchups include a home weekend against Hobart on Jan. 10-11 and Norwich on Feb. 21-22 to close the regular season, as well as a Minnesota road trip to face Saint John's and St. Olaf on Jan. 3-4. Additional home weekends include Southern Maine (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) and Albertus Magnus (Feb. 7-8).

NEHC TOURNAMENT
This year's tournament will take place over two weekends, with quarterfinals on March 1 and the final four on March 8-9.

STAR RETURNERS
Danny Magnuson (5-13—18) became the first Skidmore player named a First Team All-American as a junior last year. He was also named to the All-NEHC First Team, while Kaeden Patrick (10-9—19) earned Second Team honors. In its preseason preview, USCHO highlighted Will Dow-Kenny and Jaden York as players to watch. In total, 21 players are back from the 2023-24 roster.

INCOMING TALENT
The Thoroughbreds welcome eight first-year players and two transfers, bringing 10 new faces to the program.

LEADERSHIP
For the second straight year, Jack Strauss will serve as team captain, with seniors Magnuson, Dow-Kenny, and Patrick as alternate captains.

FROM HEAD COACH ROB HUTCHISON '07
"We're very excited to get back into the swing of things. This group is battle-tested and experienced. They've set lofty goals and worked tremendously hard to prepare for the demands of a long NEHC season. Our focus is on staying grounded and mastering the details that will lead us to success."