Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Peddler Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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The WPI hockey team compiled a 20-1 record for the 1981-1982 season, the best ever in the history of WPI hockey. Coached by Len Bowen, the team was led by co-captains Peter Millett and George Oliver. After having difficulty scheduling varsity opponents, WPI was forced to enter into a league formed by eight Boston area clubs, the New England Small College Conference (NESCC). In the past, WPI has always been competitive with Division III varsity teams, but the team was dropped from many schedules because of its lack of varsity status. The Engineers got off to a great start with a 9-0 record for the first half of the season. Strong competition was encountered from Brandeis, who was defeated 3-2 and 6-5, and Wentworth who was beaten 7-6. Both teams are members of the NESCC. St. Michaels gave WPI another tough game, but WPI came out on top 3-2. Aware of their second half competition, the Engineers expected close games with Wentworth and cross town rival, Clark University. The Engineers easily defeated Clark twice, and found themselves defending the league title in their last season game. A loss to Wentworth would mean sharing the league title, while a win would make WPI the sole champions. The Engineers pulled it off with a 3-2 squeaker. The final season game pitted WPI against MIT, an undefeated non-league varsity team. This proved to be WPI ' s only loss at 7-1. 103

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After the regular season, the top four teams in the NESCC went into playoff competition. In the first round WPI easily defeated Brandeis 9-0, and again met Wentworth in the finals. In an extremely close game, WPI became the playoff champions by again defeating the team 7-5. High scorers of the championship team, providing muon of the offense were: forwards Jim O ' Keefe and Peter Millett and defensemen George Oliver and Mike Horgan. To celebrate a great season and to honor Coach Len Bowen in his retirement year, the team held a banquet at Higgins House. The awards, presented by Coach Bowen were: Outstanding Goaltending — John Bibinski; Seventh Player Award — Tim Smith; Best Offensive Player Award — Peter Millett; Best Defensive Player Award — Michael Horgan; and Most Valuable Player — George Oliver. Next year ' s team has the potential to remain very competitive, for there are only three seniors graduating. Returning juniors Michael Horgan, Joe Bracken, Randy Brown, Mike Splaine and Shawn O ' Reilly will be key in determining the outcome of the 1982-1983 season. 105