The Allegheny College Club Ice Hockey Team is playoff-bound for the first time in 14 years. The team competes in the College Hockey East M5 Division, which is home to schools such as The College of Wooster, Saint Francis University and Edinboro University.

Allegheny currently holds a 3–3 record, with two regular season games remaining. Their record so far was good enough to clinch a playoff spot. What may be more impressive than Allegheny’s first playoff berth in 14 years is that they did it with almost all freshman.

Nine of the team’s players are first-years, including Eli Smith, who has amassed four goals and eight assists over the course of the season.

“Our success comes from our willingness to make whatever decisions are necessary in order to win,” Smith said.

One may think playing with so many young players, the atmosphere before games would not that serious. According to Smith, this is not the case on game day.

“The lead up to the game is very calm, but when we hit the ice for warm-ups, everyone focuses on their role,” Smith said.

Cam Fisher, ’21, who has 23 goals and 21 assists for the season, echoed Smith’s comments.

“[The team is] all business at game time,” Fisher said.

Fisher also acknowledged the overall talent of the team.

“There’s a lot of freshman star power and leadership [on this team],” Fisher said.

Andrew Murphy, ’18, said he has been encouraged by the team’s success this season, and  he is hopeful for the future of the team.

“It’s been a while since the team has made it, so the fact they’re in the playoffs means they’ve come a long way as a program,” Murphy said.

The Gators continue their regular season on the road against Pitt-Bradford this Saturday, Feb. 3, and end their regular season on Senior Night against Wooster at home on Feb. 9 at 10:30 p.m. Their playoff run will begin on Feb. 23 at a neutral site against an opponent that is to be determined. If the Gators win, the championship game will be played on Feb. 24.