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The Curry College men’s hockey team has rewritten the record book several times over this season, and most recently, notched another mark as the first team in history to earn a #1 seed for the national tournament.
During the NCAA DIII men’s hockey selection show, Curry was announced as the top seed with a booming 24-3 record, fresh off a Conference of New England Championship victory over Endicott this past weekend. With the prestigious ranking, the Colonels earn a first-round bye and will host the winner of the University of New England and Hamilton matchup.
WATCH: Colonels Crowned CNE Champions
“It all feels really special,” said head coach Pete Roundy. “It’s a great group of guys—an extremely motivated group who knew what they wanted going into this season.”
This will be the third straight NCAA appearance under Roundy, who took over the program in 2021. Roundy was also named Coach of the Year by the conference for the second straight season.
Curry heads to the big dance riding a historic win streak (16), with some of the most skilled players in the country. Shane Soderwall, a sophomore goalkeeper, is ranked fourth in the country in winning percentage (.880) and goals against average (1.449), and set several records for Curry this year, including most wins in a season (21), and career shutouts (14).
Soderwall was named both CNE Goalie of the Year and Player of the Year, while teammate Eelis Laaksonen also took home a major award from the conference as Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Casper Soderline, Ryan Prewitt, and Gage Dill each earned a spot on the All-Conference teams, totaling five all-conference players, with Curry earning four of five major awards.
When asked about his reaction to seeing Curry emerge as the top seed for the tournament, Laaksonen had just one word. “Appreciation. Appreciation for all the guys in the locker room, the coaching staff, and everyone else who supports us. We’re the #1 team in the country; we’ve earned our spot there. We just have to keep doing what we’ve done all year.”
Curry will host the winner of the UNE/Hamilton matchup on Saturday, March 22 at the Canton Ice House with puck drop slated for 3:00 p.m.