2011–12 NESCAC men's ice hockey season

2011–12 NESCAC men's ice hockey season was the 12th season of play for the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) in NCAA Division III men's ice hockey. The conference featured its standard ten members, with the regular season title being claimed by the Amherst Lord Jeffs. The postseason NESCAC Men's Ice Hockey Tournament championship was won by the Bowdoin Polar Bears, who earned the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III men's ice hockey tournament.

Regular season

The 2011–12 NCAA Division III men's ice hockey season began in early November, with NESCAC teams playing a 19-game conference schedule. Amherst, coached by Jack Arena, dominated the league, posting a record of 17–1–1 to secure the top seed for the conference tournament. Key victories for the Lord Jeffs included decisive wins over rivals Williams and Middlebury. The Bowdoin Polar Bears, led by head coach Terry Meagher, finished second in the standings, while Trinity and Williams rounded out the top four. Notable non-conference results included a win by Middlebury over Norwich University and a strong showing by Hamilton against SUNY Plattsburgh.

Conference tournament

The 2012 NESCAC Men's Ice Hockey Tournament was held from February 25 to March 4, with all games played at the campus of the higher seed. In the quarterfinals, top-seeded Amherst defeated Connecticut College, while Bowdoin beat Wesleyan. Trinity advanced over Hamilton, and Williams edged Middlebury in a tight contest. The semifinals saw Bowdoin upset Amherst in overtime, with Daniel Weiniger scoring the winner, and Williams defeat Trinity. In the championship game at Bowdoin's Sidney J. Watson Arena, the host Polar Bears defeated the Williams Ephs to claim the NESCAC title, with tournament MVP Daniel Weiniger leading the way.

NCAA tournament

As NESCAC tournament champion, Bowdoin received the conference's automatic bid to the 2012 NCAA Division III men's ice hockey tournament. The Polar Bears were placed in the East Regional, hosted by Norwich University at Kreitzberg Arena. In the first round, Bowdoin faced off against SUNY Oswego, the champions of the SUNYAC. Despite a strong effort, the Polar Bears were defeated, ending their season. The national tournament was eventually won by St. Norbert College, while other NCAA Division III powers like Oswego State and Norwich also made deep runs.

Statistical leaders

Colby forward John McGinnis led the NESCAC in overall scoring with 38 points, while Bowdoin's Daniel Weiniger topped the conference in goals. Amherst's Brian Safstrom was among the leaders in assists. In goal, Amherst senior Jonathan La Rose posted the best goals-against average and save percentage in the league, earning him recognition as the conference's top netminder. Other notable performers included Williams defenseman Justin Troiani and Trinity forward Michael Hawkrigg.

Awards and honors

Following the season, the NESCAC announced its annual awards. Amherst goaltender Jonathan La Rose was named NESCAC Player of the Year and also received First Team All-Conference honors. Bowdoin forward Daniel Weiniger was selected as the NESCAC Tournament MVP. The All-NESCAC First Team included defensemen Mike Moher of Amherst and Justin Troiani of Williams, along with forwards John McGinnis of Colby and Mike DiMare of Amherst. Terry Meagher of Bowdoin was recognized as the NESCAC Coach of the Year for guiding his team to the conference tournament title.

References

Category:NESCAC men's ice hockey seasons Category:2011–12 NCAA Division III men's ice hockey season