Union and RPI men’s hockey will battle for the Mayor’s Cup for the 12th time this weekend.
The Garnet Chargers, winners of the last three trophies, are looking to make it four in a row, while the Engineers will try to turn the tide for the first time since 2020.
During the regular season ECAC meetings played in October, Union won both games. So certainly, RPI is coming with a lot of play this Saturday.
“Game like this for our guys, and I think for both teams, is a game-seven mentality,” said Dave Smith, RPI men’s hockey coach. “Both teams are playing for a trophy. Playing for bragging rights, playing for the headlines in the sports pages. And it brings out the best in everybody.”
“For us right now, it’s definitely starting in practice,” RPI junior defenseman Max Smolinski said. “Just to prepare for Saturday. And there’s definitely not a lack of excitement for this game, so we’ll be ready to go on Saturday.”
-“There’s no better place to play,” Union head coach Josh Hauge said. “And for our guys, it’s as exciting of a game as we have all season. And you can even just tell from the excitement of practice we’ve had.”
Puck drops are set for 3 p.m. Saturday for the women’s game and 6 p.m. Saturday for the men’s game in Albany’s MVP Arena.
It’s the seventh Mayor’s Cup for the women. The Engineers have won five of the last six, including the last three trophies.
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