Colgate Charging Forward: Raiders in the ECAC Title Hunt

Early in the season, Colgate’s prospects seemed bleak. With just one win in their first six games, many expected the team to struggle throughout the campaign.

Now, with only four weeks left in the season, the Raiders have flipped the script. Sitting just one point behind perennial leaders Quinnipiac, they are squarely in the ECAC regular-season title race.

The team has found its rhythm under second-year head coach Mike Harder, embracing a smooth-skating style reminiscent of his playing days at Colgate. With seven wins in their last nine games, the Raiders are not just the hottest team in the ECAC but one of the most formidable in the nation.

Despite lingering questions, Colgate has a prime opportunity to climb higher in a down year for the ECAC and could claim the regular-season crown.

“We have a really great D corps, featuring three experienced seniors—Tommy Bergsland, Nic Belpedio, and Reid Irwin,” Harder said. “We give them the green light because they’re a smart trio of players, and we’ve learned from past mistakes. As our defensive zone play improves, our team is having more fun, which helps us get more out of them.”

Colgate’s defense was a major issue early in the season. In their first five games, they allowed 23 goals and struggled to slow down opponents. The challenge stemmed from implementing a fluid, puck-moving system from the blue line.

“Our D drives a lot of our pace,” Harder explained. “That’s no secret. We aim for high possession hockey, but we never chastise players for trying to make a play. We want them to be creative. It makes the game fun for them, though it does add a few gray hairs to the coaching staff.”

As experience grew and adjustments were made, the defensive unit found its footing, leading to a rapid ascent in the ECAC standings.

“Our leadership is a huge factor,” Harder said. “A successful college hockey team needs a solid leadership core, and ours is carrying us. We have veterans who’ve played tons of games, and I’m thrilled to have them.”

A major boost has come from goaltender Andrew Takacs, who spent two seasons behind Carter Gylander before getting his shot as the starter. Initially, he struggled, but over his last eight games, he has posted a sub-two-goals-against average while facing 27 shots per game.

“If you want to be a good team, you need a good goalie,” Harder said. “Andrew has worked hard with our goalie coach, and they’ve formed a great connection. It’s been a game-changer for us. Since we like to push the pace with our defense, having a reliable goaltender is critical.”

The Raiders’ improved defensive play has balanced their offensive production. They scored six goals in a 6-1 win over St. Lawrence and secured a sweep against Clarkson, contributing to their 7-2-0 record over the last nine games. During this stretch, they have averaged over four goals per game.

Colgate’s system is high-risk, high-reward—relentless on the forecheck, smooth in transition, and giving defensemen an uncommon level of freedom in college hockey.

Offensively, Brett Chorske is thriving. The senior transfer from Colorado College is second in the ECAC in scoring with 13 goals and 13 assists. His linemate, Alex Dipaolo, ranks seventh in league scoring with nine goals and 14 assists.

“Brett was a bit of a reclamation project for us,” Harder said. “We brought him in, gave him some love, and he’s absolutely thriving. He’s played fantastic. We moved him from wing to center, while shifting Dipaolo to wing to free him up. Those two have clicked in a big way.”

Colgate is also making the most of its chances. With a shooting percentage of 12 percent—highest in the nation—the team is capitalizing on quality over quantity.

“That’s an odd stat,” Harder admitted. “We aren’t a high-volume shooting team. Some days, I wish we were, but we don’t just throw pucks at the net. We like to work behind the goal line, cycle to our defensemen, and find the right shot.”

As the team improves, so does the coaching staff. When Harder took over, he had no prior college or professional coaching experience. But as a former Colgate standout, he brought deep passion for the program and a commitment to growth. He endured struggles in his first season, but those lessons are fueling this year’s success.

“My staff and I have been here two years now, and we’ve grown together,” Harder said. “We tried things—some worked, some didn’t. You always fall to your level of training. Even when we struggled last season, I felt like we had a strong game plan. Now, we’ve put in the work, and it’s just about keeping the momentum rolling.”

With the ECAC race heating up, Colgate has the pieces in place to make a serious push for the title. If their recent form is any indication, the Raiders aren’t just in the thick of it—they’re leading the charge.