After helping the Panthers post their first winning record on the ice, Simmons found himself in a unique position.

During a scrimmage with the freshman team in October, Simmons broke his leg and was ruled out for the rest of the season.

[2] When the team opened their season just before Christmas, Simmons was cleared medically, but he was not up to shape and had to sit out the match.

[3] He was able to serve as a reserve for the second game but, thanks to a warm winter, the team had to delay many of their matches until February, giving Simmons time to fully recover.

With their undefeated record, the student body voted to away major letters to ice hockey team in March, establishing the program as a priority for the athletic department.

In his final year with the program, Middlebury was again plagued by warm weather that prevented the club from getting any real practice time heading into their first games.

The New York State Champions were one of the best teams in the country, entering with a sparkling 8–0 record and were in consideration for the Intercollegiate championship.

[4] After one final victory, Simmons wrapped up his tenure as coach with a 13–1 record, two State Championships and an enduring legacy at the college.