Hobart Rallies Past Utica 4-1 in Third
Three third-period goals broke a 1-1 tie as Hobart improved to 3-0 and remained unbeaten.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hockey
Hobart defeated Utica 4-1 on Thursday at NBT Bank Arena, scoring three goals in the third period to break a 1-1 tie. Hobart improved to 3-0 and remained unbeaten.
Why it matters
The win gave Hobart a perfect start to the season, while Utica dropped to 1-1-1 and now faces a rematch with the same opponent in the season series finale. The result underlines how a single period can decide a close game between the two sides.
Connor Shibley made 27 saves for Hobart, while Esche made 28 for Utica. Hobart killed all seven Utica power plays and went 0-for-4 on its own man advantages.
The players
Hobart
Hobart is the college hockey program that improved to 3-0 and remained unbeaten after this win over Utica.
Utica
Utica is the college hockey program that fell to 1-1-1 after this loss to Hobart.
The details
Adam Mendelson scored at 4:18 of the third period on a wrist shot after taking a drop pass from Easton Ryan. Connor Elliott followed 45 seconds later with a point shot off a pass from Arvega Hovsepyan, and Ryan added the final goal with just under three minutes left.
Timeline
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Hobart defeats Utica 4-1 at NBT Bank Arena.
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 4 p.m.: Hobart and Utica conclude their season series at The Cooler.
Season Trajectory
Hobart's unbeaten start and Utica's 1-1-1 record place both teams early in a season series that will be settled on Saturday. The outcome of this game shapes the standings narrative for the rematch at The Cooler.
Because Hobart and Utica meet again Saturday at The Cooler, the result here will carry into the season-series standings. Fans planning to attend the rematch can expect the same two teams to decide the series in Geneva.
The takeaway
Hobart's third-period surge shows how a tied game can change hands quickly, and the rematch Saturday will test whether Utica can respond. Readers following the series should watch how both teams handle late-game pressure.
What happens next
Hobart and Utica meet again Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. at The Cooler in Geneva to conclude their season series.
Further reading
For more college hockey coverage, see the Hockey section.
