By Chet Clem
Staff Writer


Entering the North East Collegiate Hockey Association (NECHA) playoffs Bates Men’s Hockey was coming off a strong 12 and 4 season. Finishing third overall in the NECHA league, Bates went head-to-head with #6 ranked Bridgewater State College.

Trailing 6-3 going into the third period, the usually soft-spoken Coach Tom LeBlond lit a fire under his team with an emotional tirade in which he wasn’t afraid to call out individual players for their under-whelming play in the first two periods.

The speech worked, and Bates started the 3rd period with a bang. All three lines scored on their first shifts of the period, tying up the game and putting a bewildered Bridgewater State on the defensive.

With the game tied 7-7 late in the 3rd period, scoring-duo Aron Bell ’04 and Charlie Engasser ’05 took control. Taking a cross-ice pass from Bell, Engasser buried the game-winning goal past the sprawling Bridgewater goalie.

Faced with perennial powerhouse Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the semi-final round, the Bates seniors stepped up their play for what would unfortunately prove to be the last game of their collegiate hockey career.

“Jordan Chase had a huge goal, and Josh [Schneider] made some of the biggest saves I’ve seen him make in four years,” said assistant captain Justin Guiles ’04.

Trailing 4-3 with a minute remaining in the game, Coach LeBlond pulled the goalie to put a sixth skater on the ice. Before Schneider found a seat on the bench, MIT stole the puck in the neutral zone and scored on the empty net, ending the Bobcats season.

“This year has been the most fun I’ve ever had playing hockey. I hate to see it end,” said Jake Friedman ’04 after the game. “This season was a big turn around from last year,” said Chris Palsho ’06, adding, “It’s been a lot of fun, and we’ve had fantastic fan support. I’m already looking forward to next year.”

The departure of career points leader Aron Bell ’04 leaves a large void to fill on the first line, but as the Bobcats look ahead to the 2004-2005 season, they are confident in the talent they have returning.

“The way this season went, with so much young talent, things can only get better. Now we’ve got the experience to carry us through the tough games, and we’re ready for next year,” said Matt Gerety ’06.

Respond to this article