The men's hockey team hosts two crucial games this weekend, against Union and Rensselaer, as its all-important Eastern College Athletic Conference schedule shifts into full gear. Dartmouth's record currently stands at a disappointing 3-11-1, but its league record of 2-7-1 is still good enough for a precarious tie for tenth place.
The top 10 teams qualify for the playoffs at the end of the season, something that the Big Green did last year for the first time since 1980.
With 12 league games still to be played, Dartmouth must start winning in order to be a factor come March. Tonight is as good a night as any to start a win streak. Union is tied with Dartmouth right now and these two teams will most likely be fighting for the last playoff spot.
The play of goalie Mike Bracco '94 will be a key in determining Dartmouth's fate. Bracco has been a wall lately, coming up with a total of 82 saves in last weekend's games, good enough for ECAC Player of the Week honors.
On offense, the Big Green will look to Scott Fraser '94, who recently scored the 50th goal of his collegiate career. Also, freshmen Owen Hughes, Brent Retter and Tom Ruzzo will be called on to continue their steady play.
To win tonight, Dartmouth will have to find a way to stop Union's freshman sensation, Chris Ford, whose 13 goals lead the way for the Skating Dutchmen. Troy Stevens, another freshman, is the Union playmaker. He has 16 assists.
Saturday night will be another test, as the 6-3-1 (12-4-1 overall) RPI Engineers come to town. Goalie Neil Little is having a terrific season, and is second in the ECAC with a 2.85 goals against average. Bryan Richardson is the biggest offensive threat, with a total of 30 points.
