Hamilton College Advances to National Championship Game

Continentals defeat Aurora University 6-3 in NCAA Division III hockey semifinal

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:42pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of Hamilton College and Aurora University.Hamilton College's semifinal victory sets the stage for an epic national championship showdown against unbeaten Hobart College.Utica Today

The Hamilton College men's hockey team has advanced to the NCAA Division III national championship game after defeating Aurora University 6-3 in the semifinal round. Justin Biraben and Noah Leibl each scored twice for the Continentals, who built a 4-1 lead through two periods and held off a late rally by Aurora to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This is the first time a Hamilton College program has reached a national final since the women's lacrosse team in 2010. The Continentals' run to the championship game has generated excitement and pride within the local community.

The details

Hamilton seized control early with a power-play goal from Luke Tchor in the first period and never trailed. The Continentals built a 4-1 lead through two periods, getting goals from Leibl, Biraben and Ben Zimmerman. Aurora rallied with two quick goals in the third to cut the deficit to 4-3, but a late empty-net goal from Biraben and another from Leibl sealed the win for Hamilton. Goaltender Aksel Reid made 35 saves, including 16 in the third period, to preserve the victory.

  • Hamilton College scored the opening goal in the first period.
  • The Continentals built a 4-1 lead through the first two periods.
  • Aurora University scored two quick goals in the third period to make it 4-3.
  • Biraben scored an empty-net goal with 1:35 remaining to make it 5-3.
  • Leibl scored in the final seconds to seal the 6-3 victory for Hamilton.

The players

Justin Biraben

A forward for the Hamilton College Continentals who scored two goals in the semifinal victory.

Noah Leibl

A forward for the Hamilton College Continentals who also scored two goals in the semifinal win.

Aksel Reid

The goaltender for the Hamilton College Continentals who made 35 saves, including 16 in the third period, to preserve the victory.

Luke Tchor

A player for the Hamilton College Continentals who scored the opening goal on the power play in the first period.

Ben Zimmerman

A player for the Hamilton College Continentals who scored a goal in the second period to help build the Continentals' lead.

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What they’re saying

“We knew Aurora would make a push in the third period, but our guys stayed composed and were able to close it out.”

— Head Coach, Hamilton College

What’s next

Hamilton College will face unbeaten Hobart College for the NCAA Division III national championship on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica.

The takeaway

Hamilton College's run to the national championship game is a historic accomplishment for the school and has generated excitement within the local community. The Continentals' gritty performance in the semifinal win over a highly-ranked Aurora University team sets the stage for an exciting championship showdown against Hobart College on Sunday.