The Middlebury hockey tradition is as old as the game itself, with club play dating back to the 1860s. In the 79-year history of the men's varsity program, the Panthers have enjoyed tremendous success. The team began to receive more national exposure and success in 1995 when they made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament after a ban on NCAA play was lifted by the NESCAC. Since then, Middlebury has gone 285-39-18 (.860), advancing to the tournament for 12 consecutive years, including an NCAA record five straight titles from '95-'99.
Over the past three seasons, Middlebury captured three more NCAA crowns, hosting the tournament in the Kenyon Arena in '05. The Panthers have also won six of the seven NESCAC Tournaments, hosting the event on six occassions.
During the cold winter months, Middlebury College hockey becomes the pulse of a spirited community. The attendance at games has nearly doubled since Middlebury moved into its state-of-the-art 2,100-seat arena. The Panthers have hosted the first three NESCAC Tournaments in Vermont with capacity crowds on hand for the title games. Prior to the move, Middlebury was the proud host of the '94-'95 and '96-'97 NCAA Division III Semifinals and National Championship in a jam-packed Nelson Arena.
The team's 24-game schedule combines a staple of NESCAC and ECAC contests with a challenging tournament Thanksgiving weekend. A junior varsity hockey program with a full schedule of games and practices complements the varsity program.
STYLE OF PLAY
The Panthers are respected among Division III hockey coaches for their impressive puck movement and aggressive defense. Kenyon Arena's exceptionally large ice surface not only encourages crisp passing and offensive creativity, it demands it, and teams accustomed to a physical, tight-checking brand of play are often caught off-guard by Middlebury's fast-paced tempo.
Off-ice conditioning focuses on the intelligent development of a complete player, with special emphasis on the lower body for acceleration and balance, the shoulders for puck protection, and the forearms for a quick release.