Panther Hockey Looks North for Inspiration

Author: David Lindholm

Finally showcasing my skills as a master prognosticator, here are my picks for this weekend's tournaments to be held in Kenyon Arena, as the Panthers try to duplicate Team Canada's dual gold medals in hockey.

Women's Semifinal: Colby vs. Bowdoin – Friday, 4 p.m.

Despite their good showing against Bowdoin last Wednesday, the White Mules will be unable to fend off another Polar Bear onslaught. Star forward Shelly Chessie '03, one of the nation's top players, and first-year Kirsti Anderson, who has been on fire of late, will lead Bowdoin to a 4-1 victory.

Women's Semifinal #2: Middlebury vs. Williams – Friday, 7 p.m.

Williams played the Panthers close last time the teams met, but in the match that Middlebury hosted earlier in the season the Panthers won 8-0. Look for this game to have a final score somewhere in between those first two, with the Panthers winning 5-1.

Women's Final: Middlebury vs. Bowdoin – Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

No surprises here: the teams that were ranked first and second in the country for much of the season will battle it out for the NESCAC title. Both teams will depend on their strong defenses, which will result in a cautious game marked by few goals. However, Bowdoin will be broken down by the Panthers early in the extra session, as Middlebury prevails 2-1 in OT.

Men's Semifinal #1: Middlebury vs. Colby – Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

The Panthers will rely on Christian Carlsson '02 to come up with a few big saves on counter-attacks as the Panthers are on the offensive throughout the game. An early goal and a late goal will give Middlebury a 2-0 win.

Men's Semifinal #2: Trinity vs. Bowdoin – Saturday, 4 p.m.

Upset-hunting Bantams will get their wish, as Bowdoin continues their run of sub-par results. The Polar Bears are ranked seventh in the country, but Trinity is playing better than they have all year and will win in a war, 3-2 to Trinity.

Men's Final: Middlebury vs. Trinity – Sunday, 1 p.m.

Middlebury, resembling Team Canada in the Olympics, will take both of the NESCAC titles. Trinity will be worn out by its tough game the day before and won't be able to keep up with the superior speed and skill exhibited by our Panthers, who cruised on Saturday. Middlebury will win relatively easily. Final score: Middlebury 4, Trinity 1.