Men's hockey dominates in weekend play against RPI

Saturday night was a successful one on both ends of the rink for the Princeton men’s hockey team in their game against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The Tigers flaunted their team's incredible depth and unity, with thirteen players gaining points, including a few collegiate firsts for some freshmen. The Tigers clutched a 6-2 win and improved to 2-2-1 (1-2-1 ECAC), while the Engineers dropped to 2-5-3 (1-4-1 ECAC).

Princeton heated things up quickly on the ice, jumping out to a 2-0 lead by the 10:20 mark of the first period. Junior forward Ryan Kuffner and senior forward Eric Robinson each put Princeton on the board just five minutes apart, with Kuffner scoring the first tally at 5:22. RPI senior captain Jared Wilson made a first effort at retaliation for the Engineers, netting one in the visitor’s goal at 14:58 in the period. The Engineers then evened the score when Billy Jerry snapped a shot from the top of the left circle.

The Tigers didn't leave the game tied for long though, as Princeton sophomore forward Jackson Cressey made it a 3-2 game with 1:55 left in the first period. Cressey's goal worked off of an assist from senior forward David Hallisey. The only goal of the second period came from junior defenseman Josh Teves, who tallied his first point of the year off of assists from Kuffner and freshman defenseman Matthew Thom.

The third period was all about insurance for the Tigers, with two more goals coming from Robinson and freshman forward Luke Keenan. Princeton freshman goalie Ryan Ferland ended the game with 27 stops – 18 of which came in the second quarter.

Next weekend, the Tigers will return home to familiar ice at Hobey Baker Rink for Ivy League play. The Orange and Black will host Yale on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 7 p.m.