RPI and Union Ignite Rivalry in ECAC Hockey Showdown

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Union College are set to renew their storied rivalry this weekend as they face off in a crucial ECAC hockey matchup. The teams will meet for the 119th and 120th times, with the first game taking place on Friday, October 31, 2023, at Union’s new M&T Bank Center in Schenectady at 19:00, followed by a game in Troy on Saturday at 16:00. This home-and-home series also features the Capital Skates Trophy, which Union currently holds after sweeping last season’s rivalry series.

Contrasting Starts to the Season

The two programs enter this weekend in starkly different positions. Union’s Garnet Chargers (4-0-1) are off to their best start since the 2018-19 season, remaining unbeaten through five games. They rank among the national leaders in several key statistical categories. Conversely, the RPI Engineers (0-6-0) are still searching for their first victory of the 2024-25 campaign, marking their longest winless start since the 2008-09 season.

Despite RPI’s struggles, new head coach Eric Lang has identified positive signs. The Engineers faced a challenging schedule, including a pair of road losses to No. 20 Minnesota State last weekend. Offensively, the trio of forwards—Matthew Buckley, Filip Sitar, and Tyler Wallace—has begun to find its rhythm, collectively contributing eight points. Sitar leads the team with three goals, while Buckley shares the lead in points with three.

Defensively, RPI’s Gustavs Ozolins and Ethan Bono have shown commitment, leading the team in blocked shots.

Statistical Insights and Player Performances

Statistical analysis reveals that RPI’s expected goals (-0.33) and expected goals against (2.7) suggest that their results could improve as the season progresses. However, their current team save percentage of 86.4% and a shooting percentage of 4.7% have hindered their offensive output, contributing to a PDO of 91.1%, the lowest in Division I men’s hockey.

In goal, Bruno Bruveris has been the primary goaltender, making 60 saves across three games. Carson Dorman leads the Engineers with a .906 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.75, while Nate Krawchuk has recorded an .862 save percentage.

In contrast, Union has made a strong statement this season under coach Josh Hauge. The Garnet Chargers excel in various aspects, averaging 4.00 goals per game, ranking fourth nationally, and allowing only 1.60 goals per game, placing fifth. Their penalty kill stands at a remarkable 93.8%, also fourth in the nation, showcasing their defensive prowess.

Goaltender Cameron Korpi has been exceptional, achieving his first career shutout with 24 saves in a 6-0 victory over Niagara on October 18. Korpi enters the weekend with a shutout streak of 98:22, needing just another 42:18 to tie the program’s all-time record.

Union’s offense features a balanced attack with players such as Etienne Lessard and Parker Lindauer, both averaging an assist per game. The power play has been effective, with Lindauer and Brandon Buhr each scoring twice in that situation, while the team has successfully killed off 14 consecutive penalties.

Last season, Union swept the series against RPI, with both games decided by a single goal, reflecting the intense nature of this rivalry. As RPI seeks to secure their first win and Union aims to maintain their momentum, a fiercely competitive weekend is anticipated.

Friday night’s opener will be RPI’s first visit to the new M&T Bank Center, while Saturday’s game in Troy offers the Engineers a chance to reclaim the Capital Skates Trophy and assert themselves in a rivalry characterized by intensity and proximity.