After two close losses, the Brandeis club hockey team had a 6-6-2 record going into winter break, leaving them in third place in their division. However, with games against the club team Diablos (2-12-3) and Boston River Rats (3-12-3), the team looked to be in good position to boost both their record and confidence as the postseason approaches.

The Judges indeed came back explosively, as they routed the Diablos 8-0, thanks to a 12-save shutout performance by goalie Jeff Wieskopf '08 and stellar offensive and defensive efforts by the entire team.

Elliot Schaeffer, the teams previous captain who had already graduated before this year, provided some of the offensive highlights as he chipped in two goals. Schaeffer would have been a current senior, but graduated last year and took the past semester off so that he could return to play for the Judges this semester. Even more incredible is that he played a key role as a talented stay-at-home defenseman last season, but has returned to provide offense at the forward positions. Alex Shaffer 09 also added an unusual goal from half-ice to cap off the teams offensive attack.

Wieskopf was happy with the results of the teams first game back from break, as he told The Hoot that the victory was a great way to start the second half of the season. With ten games left in the regular season, were looking to return to the top of our division and secure a good spot in the postseason.

The Judges next game is this Thursday night, Jan. 26, against the Boston River Rats at 10:40 at Babson Arena.