Men’s Ice Hockey Takes on Wisconsin-Stout in First NCAA Tournament Appearance in Program History (GAME PREVIEW)
History has been made in Paxton.
For the first time in program history, the Anna Maria College men's ice hockey team is headed to the NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. After a dominant run through the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, finishing with a 12-1-1 record in conference play, the AMCATS earned the league's automatic bid and will now take their championship momentum to the national stage.
Anna Maria secured its place in the tournament with a statement victory in the MASCAC Championship, shutting out Westfield State 3-0 to capture the conference title. From the opening puck drop to the final horn, the AMCATS showcased the complete team effort that has defined their season - strong defense, clutch scoring, and elite goaltending.
In a historic season for the program, the AMCATS remained undefeated at home, finishing with a 12-0-2 record while setting a new program record with 20 wins. The championship run also included a 12-game winning streak, the longest in Anna Maria men's ice hockey history. Anna Maria finished the season averaging 3.70 goals per game while holding opponents to just 2.24 goals per contest.
Anna Maria's success has been powered by standout performances throughout the lineup. Senior forward Braeden McKinnon has led the offensive attack, finishing the season with 15 goals and 14 assists while providing leadership during the championship run.
Between the pipes, junior Matthew Hennessey has been spectacular. The MASCAC Championship MVP enters the NCAA Tournament with a 17-3-2 record, a 1.83 goals-against average, and a .945 save percentage. His 48-save performance in the MASCAC Championship helped secure the conference title and send the AMCATS to the national tournament.
Now, the challenge gets even bigger.
The AMCATS will face the Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils, champions of the WIAC, in the opening round as Anna Maria makes its long-awaited NCAA Tournament debut. Wisconsin-Stout enters the matchup with a 21-5-1 overall record and a 12-2-1 mark in conference play, averaging 3.70 goals per game while allowing 2.30 goals per contest. Their top goaltender, Sebastian Monaco, holds a 13-2-1 record with a .935 save percentage.
The Anna Maria men's ice hockey team travels to Menomonie, Wisconsin, to take on the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Saturday, March 14.
