MIDDLETOWN, CT. -  Marking the 200^th career victory for head coach Chris Potter, the Wesleyan men's hockey team struck down Trinity College in a thrilling 3-1 win at home on Friday night to close out the final home game of the season at Spurrier-Snyder Arena while led by assistant captain Hayden Hanes '27 with two points.

Serving in his 21^st season, Chris Potter holds a standing 200-264-61 overall record at the helm of the men's hockey program. During his tenure the Cardinals have made 14 NESCAC Tournament appearance, winning the conference title in 2020.

While it's been a moment since the Cardinals (9-14-0 overall, 8-9-0 NESCAC) defeated the Bantams (11-11-1 overall, 5-11-1 NESCAC), the nail-biter came by way of two goals scored in the third period including an empty-net goal from captain Danny Judge '26 with less than a minute on the clock. The last Cardinal victory over the Bantams was Feb. 18, 2023, a 2-1 win at home.

A rough first period left both teams scoreless as the clock ran down into the first break of the game. The Bantams played with an edge but were unsuccessful when given the extra-man advantage. Opening the second period, the Cardinals made the most of Owen Mahar's '29 faceoff win in the defensive zone and caught the Bantams on the rush. Mahar cycled the puck through the neutral zone, passing back to Ethan Davidson '26 to set up Jack DesRuisseaux '29 inside the near circle. DesRuisseaux's wrist shot clipped over the shoulder of Aiden Hopewell.

Known to ruffle feathers as in-state rivals, the Bantams tied the game up as the third period fell underway to keep the Cardinals on their toes once again. Hanes answered as the period neared the halfway mark, redirecting a deflected shot from Daniel Lurie '26 behind Hopewell. Lurie fired from the blue line having gained possession from Connor Sutherland '27 in the near corner.

Hoping to tie the game up as regulation time dwindled, the Bantams pulled Hopewell for the extra skater but could not convert as Judge scored on the empty net from the faceoff. Hanes won the draw.
Mahar led all Cardinals with five shots on goal. Troy Maldonado '28 blocked five shots, a team high.

In goal, Patrick McDevitt '28 earned his eighth win of the season, a career high as he made 18 saves.

The Cardinals face Trinity a second time on Saturday, Feb. 21, in the regular season finale on the road in Hartford at 3 p.m.