Amherst, MA – Another chapter was written into the storybook playoff run for the #8 Williams Ephs as they faced off against the #3 seed Amherst Mammoths. Orr Rink was hopping from the get-go as the home fans led a feverous charge, however, the Ephs would silence the noise and punch their ticket into the NESCAC Championship.
In front of a noisy crowd of 1080, the opening period was a back-and-forth battle of nervy playoff hockey. Chances flew by on each end as the two fierce rivals sized one another up. Despite three first-period powerplays, the Ephs would not be able to pull ahead from the hosting Mammoths.
Evan Ruschil needed to be switched on in the opening frame, and his early saves would set the precedent for the rest of the contest.
The second period saw some of the nerves settle, but neither team could fully control the pace of the game. Only 15 total shots were registered, but quality chances were shared on both sides. A breakaway for the Ephs and a backdoor shot from the Mammoths were turned away to keep the game scoreless.
Tired legs began to catch up to the Ephs in the third, and momentum shifted in favor of the hosts. Ruschil made 14 massive saves in the final period, standing on his head to keep his team in it. A couple grade-A chances went begging for the Ephs, and the teams entered OT for the second time this year.
With the atmosphere reaching a fever pitch, the teams took to the ice with a championship game on the line. Offense flowed in both directions in the opening minutes until
Sean Clarke found himself chasing a puck into the Mammoths' zone. His legs were swept from beneath him and the Ephs found themselves with a man-advantage five minutes into overtime. The puck was zipped around the zone as Williams looked for an opening.
Connor Berg slid the puck down to
Jonah Gold who collected it and fired on goal. For what felt like ages, the puck sat in the crease waiting to be hammered home.
Ziv Deener-Chodirker was the only player to react, burying his first collegiate goal and sending the Ephs into the finals.
In front of a strong traveling crowd, celebration ensued as the 8-seed Ephs downed the only remaining top-4 seed. Tomorrow at 2PM, a historic matchup will occur between the #7 Bowdoin Polar Bears and #8 Ephs, the first time either of these seeds has made the NESCAC Championship. Thank you to all the friends and family who made the trip, good luck Ephs!
