European ice shimmers for Hanover native Landers

Hanover native Jeff Landers was just named the Division 3 Player of the Year at Amherst.

Traditionally European ice rinks are larger than those in North America. The expansive surface lends itself to a wide-open game, with lots of passing. Conditions are perfect for sharp, skilled playmaking, ideal for a practitioner of the puck-moving art.

In other words, they are perfect for Hanover native Jeff Landers.

The Amherst College senior may take his game to Europe next year, where he could thrive. An economics major, he may seek a job in the financial field. The fact he's not sure about his next move is a little surprising, given that Landers has always made the right decisions with confidence.

Capping a stellar four years at Amherst, the BC High and Deerfield Academy graduate was named NESCAC Player of the Year and first-team All-American for his efforts.

Last week, the 6-foot, 200-pound defenseman was named winner of the Joe Concannon Award as New England's best American-born Division 2 and 3 player. One day later, the American Hockey Coaches Association selected him to receive the Sid Watson Award as Division 3 Player of the Year, named in honor of the legendary Bowdoin College coach. He is the first NESCAC player from a school other than Middlebury College to win the award.

A key component of the team since his freshman days with the Lord Jeffs, Landers helped rewrite the team's record books in 2008-'09. The squad's highest-scoring defenseman for the past three seasons, Landers led all players with 42 points, best among Division 3 blue-liners and 12th overall.

With his help, the Lord Jeffs had their most successful season. They won 18 of their final 19 regular-season games to finish 22-5-1, winning their first NESCAC title. They earned the number-four seed in the Division 3 tournament and their first NCAA postseason victory.

"He was, without a doubt, the central figure," said Amherst coach Jack Arena, in his 26th year at the school. "He was a single captain, which is something that's unusual for us. He was our leading scorer by a significant margin. He led us in plus-minus by a significant margin. He was a terrific leader both on and off the ice. His performance was as good as anyone I've ever had."

Along the way, his teammates learned that if they got open, he would deliver the puck with precise timing. The perfect pass was his hallmark.

"He has phenomenal patience with the puck, and he has great vision," said Arena. "Our forwards have seen what he can do, so they just go. They know if they get open, he'll get them the puck."

Look up, recognize the play, and strike at the perfect moment - Landers has a plethora of former teammates who are sad to see him go.

As for what happens next, Europe is a possibility, and it could prove successful. But he might move in a different direction.

"I'm definitely looking into my hockey options," said Landers, twice a member of the NESCAC All-Academic team. "But I'm also still in search of a job in the financial area. I'm sort of playing both cards right now. Hopefully in the next month or so something works out."

Matt Porter can be reached at heymattporter@gmail.com