By Matt Cook
Sports Editor

The ice hockey team has received key contributions from underclassmen this year, including defenseman Bo Driscoll, a sophomore, giving the  Rams a 3-10-3 record overall and a 2-7-2 mark in the MASCAC.

Framingham is ahead of Westfield State, and currently, the Rams are in contention to compete in the conference tournament next month.

A major factor in the help from younger players has been Driscoll, who laced up his skates for his sophomore year.

Through 15 games last season, the Rams went 2-12-1 overall and 2-9-1 in the MASCAC.

Driscoll, had one goal, one on the power play, and five assists. Framingham missed the conference tournament by one game as a result of their 3-2 loss at UMass Dartmouth.

This year through 15 games, the team is 3-10-3 overall and hold a conference record of 2-7-2. Driscoll has  six goals already, which ties the team-best with forward Ryan McDonald, a freshman. Two goals have come on the power play, one with a man down and one to tie.

To go with it, Driscoll also has four assists.

“I think I have had more success this year because I feel more confident having a season under my belt,” said Driscoll. “I’ve gotten more goals because I am shooting more this year than last, when I was most likely to look to make a pass.”

He also said the Rams have stressed putting players in front of the net more this year, in an attempt to not only screen the opposing goaltender, but to also poke in rebounds and loose pucks.

“I feel our forwards have been doing a good job giving our defensemen screens,” Driscoll said.

It makes it even more impressive that he is tied on the team in scoring as a defenseman. It is common for defenders to get credited with assists because shots from the blue line can redirect.

It’s unusual, however, to have a defenseman score as much as Driscoll has in such a short span of time.

“I didn’t even realize I was that high up,” he said when asked about his placement among teammates. “I feel more confident this season, so that may be an indication of me being more comfortable playing my role as an offensive defenseman.”

Since Jan. 12, he has recorded a point in every contest for a six-game point streak. He has four goals and two assists in that time span.

When asked about the success and improvement from last year, Driscoll said, “Our freshmen have been a big part of our team’s success. We have guys that got thrown right into our top lines, and have been able to adjust to the college game very nicely.”

In conference play, he has five goals and three assists which is key as MASCAC games have a higher level of importance when determining teams that are eligible for the tournament.

Driscoll noted goalie Nick Cafrelli’s impressive performances as a vital part to the Rams’ success this year.

“Cafrelli has been outstanding for us,” Driscoll said. “He’s been really on his game as of late, and has been making some saves that leave a lot of guys on the ice wondering how the puck didn’t go in. He’s been working hard on and off the ice, and I think the way he is playing is showing that.”

Cafrelli, who is a sophomore, was named the MASCAC men’s ice hockey Goalie of the Week for the period ending Jan. 22.

The Rams have six conference games left in the 2011-12 regular season which culminates on Feb. 23.

“Bo has stepped up in a big way for us,” said Coach T.J. Brown in an e-mail. “In and out of the lineup last year, [but]this year, he came into camp a lot stronger and it has paid off a ton. His worth ethic off the ice is a huge reason for the jump in production.”

Brown also said that being in such good shape, Driscoll is able to be on ice for all situations.

“He works on his game a lot and spends a lot of time post-practice working on little things that are making a huge difference in his game,” Brown said.

However, Brown also said he understands Driscoll has a lot to work on and a long way to go, but if he keeps progressing the way he is, Brown said he’d be “very happy to have him the next couple years. It doesn’t hurt that he is a great kid off the ice too.”

When asked about the Rams in the coming years, Driscoll emphatically replied, “I’m excited for the future of this team.”