The Middlebury men's hockey team (1-3-0) suffered a 4-1 loss to fifth-ranked Hobart (9-2-1) on Sunday in the final game of the Friends of Panther Hockey Classic. Chris Garbe was named the tournament's most valuable player, while Billy Dobensky earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team. The Panthers have a quick turnaround, traveling to Bowdoin on Tuesday for a 3:00 p.m. puck drop, while the Statesmen host #8 Norwich on Friday.
 
Hobart opened the scoring just 2:56 into the first period when Reid Lindsay one-timed a pass from Mark Benemerito for the 1-0 edge. The Statesmen doubled their lead on a power play at the 13:59 mark when Blake Coffrey fired the puck from the high slot into the goal for the 2-0 advantage. 
 
Middlebury had a great chance to cut into the lead with 8:19 expired in the middle frame, but EMack Bentley's shot hit the crossbar and ricocheted away. The Panthers broke through less than two minutes later. An initial shot by Dobensky was denied by Hobart goaltender Joe Halstrom, but Paddy Bogart was there to tip-in the rebound to make it 2-1. 
 
The Statesmen increased the lead to 3-1 just 1:37 into the third period. Cole Joslin had an opportunity to cut Middlebury's deficit to one, but back-to-back chances from the doorstep were thwarted by Halstrom. Hobart tacked on an empty netter with 30 seconds remaining for the 4-1 victory.
 
Adam Wisco made 28 saves in goal for the Panthers, while Halstrom stopped 16 shots. 
 
Friends of Panther Hockey Classic Awards

• Chris Garbe - Middlebury - Most Valuable Player
• Billy Dobenski - Middlebury - All-Tournament Team
• Nathan Smith - Saint Michael's - All-Tournament Team
• Luke Aquaro - Hobart - All-Tournament Team
• Joe Halstrom - Hobart - All-Tournament Team