When Travis Harris became head coach of Elon University’s men’s club ice hockey team ahead of the 2025-2026 season, he said he thought he had his hands full. The team went 2-8 in the season prior, with many players deciding not to return.
“I honestly didn’t know what to expect,” Harris said. “Coming in, I thought it would be a full rebuild to get the team to where I think they could play with the talent they had on the returning roster.”
But it quickly became clear that the Phoenix were playing with dynamite. The team started the season 2-0, with consecutive overtime wins against Appalachian State University and James Madison University.
From there, the Phoenix hit some turbulence. They dropped three straight games, including a last-second loss to Duke University. The Blue Devils took the lead with 13 seconds left in regulation.
It was a heartbreaker of a game, but the Phoenix were a truly competitive team. Harris said that’s when the momentum started to grow.
“At that point, more kids on campus started to reach out to join,” Harris said. “We were building something.”
The team added five skaters to the roster, plus two more after they returned from semesters abroad. The growing membership added flame to the Phoenix’s fire.
Elon went 9-4 on the remainder of the season, including a 9-2 senior night victory against East Carolina University. It was a meaningful moment for the team, saying goodbye to senior goalie Wells Masterson.
Masterson has excelled at goalie for Elon for the last four seasons. He currently has a .931 save percentage, better than any goalie in the National Hockey League, per ESPN.
Senior goalie Wells Masterson stands guard in Elon’s big win against East Carolina University at the Orange County SportsPlex on Feb. 6.
Masterson’s dominant performance during his senior night is just more of the same, according to Harris.
“Wells always stands out,” Harris said. “It shows that the team can lean on him. They know he’s going to carry them through the game.”
That was apparent in Elon’s beatdown of ECU. Most breakaway opportunities for the Pirates were quickly shut down by Masterson, snatching the puck out of the air with milliseconds of reaction time.
Masterson credits the entire team for his performance this season.
“It takes the entire team,” Masterson said. “So shout out the centers and the wingers, not letting them get up and down the wall. It’s the defensemen stepping up and playing bodies in front of the net. I can only do so much without them.”
While Elon clamped down on the Pirates defensively, the Phoenix capitalized on offensive opportunities. An early strike by senior Evan Kilfoyle gave Elon the lead, followed by an additional quick goal by sophomore Mike Bekerian.
Elon’s fans showed up large and loud, making the 35-minute commute to Elon’s home stadium in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Every big moment could be felt throughout the rink.
Masterson said it was a huge advantage.
“It honestly brings such a different energy to the building,” Masterson said. “It’s a pretty small building. So if you have people cheering, it just fires the guys up. So credit to the fans for this win.”
Fueled by the crowd, the Phoenix continued to pile on the damage. Eight skaters scored for Elon, including two goals from senior Ian Russo and goals from sophomore Jay Cuter and freshman Roman Kostrowski. Cuter leads the Phoenix in goals scored this season.
Harris said the blend of new players and veteran leadership is one of the team’s biggest strengths.
“The youth on this team, between the current sophomores and freshman, has really carried us through some tough games, netting goals when we need them the most,” Harris said. “But it’s also the seniors we have that have kept us consistent.”
Senior co-captain Sam Chairman said it’s the tightest-knit Elon team he’s been a part of.
“The kids on this team are my best friends,” Chairman said. “Every time, it’s a treat showing up to the rink. If you enjoy showing up to practice, and to play, you really can’t ask for anything more. Winning is a byproduct of that.”
With the win, Elon earned the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Coastal Conference M2 Elite playoffs, which Masterson said was the team’s main goal. It’s the second playoff appearance for Elon since the team was founded in 2011.
The 7-point win also boosts Elon’s placement in the national rankings, increasing its chances of making club hockey nationals. Winning the ACC playoffs would also clinch a national championship spot for the Phoenix.
“It’s going to be very difficult, but hopefully we can get some fans to come out and support us and bring the energy,” Masterson said.
The ACC playoffs start Feb. 12 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at the Fairgrounds Arena.