Just in case you missed it, both the UMass Boston men’s and women’s hockey teams competed in the New England Hockey Conference playoffs this past Saturday. The women faced off against Castleton University, followed by the men, who faced off against Skidmore College. With the season on the line, let’s look at how the Beacons fared on Saturday.
Women’s Hockey
Things looked bleak for the women early in the first period as they quickly fell down 2–0 in the first seven minutes of the contest. However, goals from Cailey Kozich and Kelsey Ryan brought the Beacons back to even going into the second period. Beacons’ goaltender, Victoria Kennedy, was able to shut the door, saving 22 pucks in just the second and third periods alone. Unfortunately, the Beacons were not able to capitalize on the offensive end, as the game would eventually make it to overtime. Despite the Beacons firing three shots in overtime, Darby Palisi would score the game winning goal 10 minutes into the overtime, ultimately ending the season for the for the women’s hockey team.
Despite the loss, UMass Boston goaltender, Victoria Kennedy, had a great performance, saving 37 pucks and keeping the Beacons in it for pretty much the entirety of the game. However, Castleton University’s goaltender, Kirsten DiCicco, had just as good a day with 34 saves on the night. Unfortunately, things just didn’t go the Beacons’ way in overtime.
Men’s Hockey
The UMass Boston men’s hockey team came out of the gate strong in the first period with a goal from Devin Moran eight minutes into the game. Skidmore College would bounce right back to tie the game going into the second period. Skidmore College would then come out and take a one goal lead 12 minutes into the second period and would carry that lead into the third. Things would quickly unravel for the Beacons, as they would allow two goals just 25 seconds apart early in the third period to make it 4–1 in favor of Skidmore college. Despite the deep hole the Beacons dug themselves into, UMass Boston was able to fire off two quick goals themselves, as they quickly responded to make it 4–3 with 15 minutes remaining in the contest. Unfortunately, Skidmore College’s goalkeeper, Tate Brandon, was able to shut the door,making 16 third period saves to shut the door on the Beacons’ season.
If you ask me, the deciding factor in this game was the great 39 save performance from Brandon in goal for Skidmore College. The Beacons berated Skidmore College with 30 shots in the second and third period alone and couldn’t get a win to show for it. 
Despite two disappointing losses from both the men and the women, there still is a lot to look forward to for the years to come for both teams. The men’s team has a total of six seniors or graduate students, and the women’s team has four seniors, meaning there will be a good majority of returning players for next season. However, it is still upsetting to see those who played their final game for the Beacons this past Saturday. It will be exciting to see what is in store for future seasons as the younger players will continue to improve for the Beacons.