The Princeton men’s ice hockey team, ranked No. 18, had a tough weekend, losing two close games to No. 13 Cornell and Colgate. On Friday, the Tigers fell to Cornell 2-1 at Lynah Rink in Ithaca, N.Y. Princeton got off to a strong start, with senior forward Jaxson Ezman scoring a rebound goal just three minutes into the game. However, Cornell tied the game in the second period and secured the win with a goal in the final minutes of the third period.
Despite the loss, Princeton’s defense, led by junior goalie Arthur Smith, played a strong game, limiting Cornell’s scoring opportunities. Smith noted that the team’s defensive strategy was successful, and they were able to stick to their identity of playing a strong defensive game on the road.
The next day, Princeton traveled to Hamilton, N.Y. to face off against Colgate, where they lost 1-0. The game was a quiet and low-scoring affair, with Colgate breaking the deadlock in the second period. Princeton had several scoring opportunities, but were unable to capitalize on them. The team’s coach, Ben Syer, noted that the team was not physical enough and that their frustration should have been channeled into play instead of post-whistle scuffles.
Despite the losses, Princeton’s defense remained composed and predictable, with Smith attributing this to the team’s trust in each other. The Tigers look ahead to a two-game series against Bentley next weekend, and Syer noted that the team learned a lot about themselves over the weekend, including their ability to play a strong defensive game on the road.
The weekend’s results were disappointing, but Princeton’s players and coaches were able to identify key positive takeaways, including their defensive strategy and teamwork. The team’s ability to reset and focus on the next game was also highlighted, with Ezman noting that the team needs to quickly shift their focus after a loss. Overall, the Tigers are looking to build on their strengths and improve their performance in their upcoming games.