66 Straight at Home: Hobart Eyes SUNYAC Championship Inside The Cooler
GENEVA, N.Y. — For four years, teams across Division III hockey have tried, and failed, to beat Hobart inside The Cooler.
The last team to do it was Elmira College on February 5, 2022. Since then, the Statesmen have rattled off 66 straight home wins, turning their rink into one of the toughest environments in the country.
Now standing in their way of win number 67 and a SUNYAC Championship are the Oswego State Lakers.
Ironically, the last time Hobart lost at home also has a small connection to Oswego radio. WNYO 88.9 FM’s Derik Clark was in the building that night calling the game for Elmira. Clark wasn’t in the press area either, he was standing on top of the bleachers doing the broadcast while members of Hobart’s football team sat directly in front of him, not exactly thrilled with some of the commentary about the home team.
Since that night, however, no team has been able to walk into Geneva and leave with a win.
Practicing Like It’s Game Day
Earlier this week I had the chance to watch Hobart practice on Tuesday night, and the intensity looked far from a routine midweek skate.
The pace and physicality mirrored the way the Statesmen play during games, something leading goal scorer Khaili Fontana, who has 20 goals this season, says is intentional.
“We practice like it’s a game,” Fontana said after practice. “Our competition is at an all-time high every day, so when we get to the game it almost feels like just another practice.”
That internal competition has helped fuel Hobart’s success this season as the Statesmen have surged through the SUNYAC in their first year in the conference.
A New Power in the SUNYAC
Hobart’s immediate success in the conference has quickly made them one of the league’s most talked-about teams.
Head coach Mark Taylor understands that some programs around the SUNYAC may have had mixed feelings about Hobart joining the conference this season.
“If we can win it when we come in, we’ve done a good job for the SUNYAC,” Taylor said. “Someone might say they don’t want us to do that.”
Regardless of outside opinions, Hobart has embraced the challenge and now finds itself one win away from a conference championship.
The Challenge of Beating a Team Three Times
While Hobart has already defeated Oswego twice this season, Taylor knows the third matchup could be the toughest yet.
“You just have to elevate,” Taylor said. “Every time you beat a team you expect the next one is going to be tougher. Beating a team twice is tough enough, beating a team three times is even tougher.”
The Lakers will enter the championship hoping to flip the script and prevent the season sweep.
The Cooler Advantage
Part of Hobart’s dominance comes from the rink itself.
The Cooler has developed a reputation as one of the most difficult places to play in Division III hockey. The boards are extremely lively, the ice surface is older than most rinks, and the building has no heating, creating a unique environment visiting teams must quickly adjust to.
Hobart practices on that surface every single day.
The good news for Oswego is that Saturday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures around 56 degrees, which could make conditions inside the arena a little more comfortable.
Still, the Statesmen know the ice, and the bounces, better than anyone.
Appreciating the Moment
For Hobart’s veteran players, Saturday’s championship carries even more meaning.
Fontana knows opportunities like this do not last forever, especially with his collegiate career nearing its end.
“Staying present, appreciating these practices, appreciating the time in the locker room,” Fontana said. “I feel kind of emotional just talking about it. We’ve experienced so much here together as a group.”
Fontana says the reality of the moment has started to sink in.
“I can’t believe I’m coming to the end here. The fact this is my last conference game before the [NCAA] tournament, it’s special to be part of such a great program and such a great group.”
Championship Stakes
For Hobart, the opportunity in front of them is significant. In their first season in the SUNYAC, the Statesmen are one win away from capturing a conference championship while continuing one of the most impressive home winning streaks in Division III hockey.
For four years, teams have entered The Cooler hoping to be the one to end Hobart’s dominance at home. On Saturday night, with a conference championship on the line, the Statesmen will look to prove once again why that hasn’t happened.
Where to Watch, Listen, and Follow
Watch: Hobart livestream via the SUNYAC Network begins at 6:50 p.m.
TV: WTOP-10 — Pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m.
Radio: WNYO 88.9 FM — STREAM 1, Pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m.
Live Updates: Oswego Now blog
WTOP-10 will also be traveling to Geneva for the broadcast, marking a rare road production for the student-run station.