Williamstown, MA — In the final regular season game of the year, the Williams College Ephs (7-15-2, 5-11-2) faced off against the Hamilton College Continentals (13-9-2, 11-5-2). With massive playoff spots on the line, both teams fought an incredible battle, but it would be Hamilton who would come out on top.
In a do-or-die situation, Williams came out firing in the opening period. The Ephs began the game by winning the first twelve faceoffs and this dominance led to a sense of control with the puck. A few pucks thrown toward the Hamilton goal gave the Continentals trouble, but none found the back of the net. Evan Ruschil was called upon several times and answered the bell on each occasion, leaving the guy scoreless at the end of one.
Hamilton would seize a bit of momentum back in their favor as the game leveled out in the second. Williams saw themselves hemmed in their own zone on a few occasions but they remained solid. The Ephs would find the better chances in the period off of the rush, with a few 2-on-1 opportunities being squandered in the frame. Another hard-fought period ended with the score still tied at 0-0.
The Ephs were in need of a massive third period if they were to keep their season alive. Unfortunately, it would be the Continentals who would break the deadlock midway through the third frame. Off of a broken faceoff, Hamilton would wheel to the net and pick a corner, propelling them into the lead. The Ephs needed a response in order to seal their destiny so they threw the kitchen sink at the Hamilton goal. Shot after shot rained down on the net, but the Ephs could not find an equalizer, dropping their final regular season game 1-0.
The Ephs still can secure a playoff berth pending a Middlebury loss against Amherst.
