Union currently rides an eight game unbeaten streak. The Dutchmen's last lost occurred on October 30th against (you guessed it) RPI when the Engineers scored a power-play goal late with three minutes remaining in regulation and then won the game on a Chase Polacek goal two minutes into overtime. The Dutchmen got revenge though when they beat RPI in overtime 5-4 in the championship game of the RPI Holiday Tournament even though there were many important Dutchmen suspended throughout the tournament. Wednesday's game however will be more important since this is the first time these two teams will meet this season where the game counts towards the ECAC standings.
Looking into the Engineers
Since their victory at Messa Rink on October 3oth RPI (3-3-0 ECAC, 8-8-1 overall) hasn't been as fortunate as the Dutchmen as they have gone 4-6-0, including losing five of their last six games. The Engineers offense is led by junior forward Chase Polacek who leads the team with 10 goals, 12 assists, 22 points, five power-play goals, and .189 shooting percentage (at least 15 shots) in 17 games. Polacek is also joined by an outstanding freshmen duo in Brandon Pirri and Jerry D'Amigo. Pirri is second on the team wit
h seven goals and 14 points, while D'Amigo is tied for third on the team with 13 points (5g, 8a). This trio combines for 48% of RPI's goals and 56% of the team's total points. Also, look out for senior forward Paul Kerins, who is tied with D'Amigo in all offensive categories. Definitely take notice of him when RPI is on the power-play considering four of his five goals have come on the power-play. And you can't forget about junior forward Tyler Helfrich, who after missing the first seven games of the season is averaging a point per game in his 10 games back (3g, 7a). The majority of the goaltending duties has been handled by junior Allen York. In 14 games (6-7-1) he has posted a 2.78 GAA and a .899 save percentage. The three other games have been started by freshman Bryce Merriam who is 2-1-0 with a 2.01 GAA and a .887 save percentage.
This will be a big game for the Dutchmen as all RPI games are, but this one should be tougher for a few reasons:
1) Last game Union beat RPI in their own tournament so RPI will be looking for revenge
2) This game actually counts towards the ECAC standings
3) The game is taking place at Houston Field House... Any game on the road is tough.
4) The Dutchmen have a bulls eye on their back because of their new national ranking and their current unbeaten streak
The Dutchmen better be ready to play at the drop of the puck if they want to extend their unbeaten streak. It will also help if Mario, Wally, and KK can keep up their hot streaks.
I hope some Dutchmen faithful make it to the Houston Field House to support the team even though it is a weeknight. I am planning on traveling up to Troy in the afternoon to make the game and I hope as many of you do the same.
To read more about the Dutchmen and their current streak head to UnionAthletics.com.
Read other previews on the game including Ed Weaver here and Tim Wilkin here, along with video interviews courtesy of Ken Schott here.
Looking into the Engineers
Since their victory at Messa Rink on October 3oth RPI (3-3-0 ECAC, 8-8-1 overall) hasn't been as fortunate as the Dutchmen as they have gone 4-6-0, including losing five of their last six games. The Engineers offense is led by junior forward Chase Polacek who leads the team with 10 goals, 12 assists, 22 points, five power-play goals, and .189 shooting percentage (at least 15 shots) in 17 games. Polacek is also joined by an outstanding freshmen duo in Brandon Pirri and Jerry D'Amigo. Pirri is second on the team wit
h seven goals and 14 points, while D'Amigo is tied for third on the team with 13 points (5g, 8a). This trio combines for 48% of RPI's goals and 56% of the team's total points. Also, look out for senior forward Paul Kerins, who is tied with D'Amigo in all offensive categories. Definitely take notice of him when RPI is on the power-play considering four of his five goals have come on the power-play. And you can't forget about junior forward Tyler Helfrich, who after missing the first seven games of the season is averaging a point per game in his 10 games back (3g, 7a). The majority of the goaltending duties has been handled by junior Allen York. In 14 games (6-7-1) he has posted a 2.78 GAA and a .899 save percentage. The three other games have been started by freshman Bryce Merriam who is 2-1-0 with a 2.01 GAA and a .887 save percentage.This will be a big game for the Dutchmen as all RPI games are, but this one should be tougher for a few reasons:
1) Last game Union beat RPI in their own tournament so RPI will be looking for revenge
2) This game actually counts towards the ECAC standings
3) The game is taking place at Houston Field House... Any game on the road is tough.
4) The Dutchmen have a bulls eye on their back because of their new national ranking and their current unbeaten streak
The Dutchmen better be ready to play at the drop of the puck if they want to extend their unbeaten streak. It will also help if Mario, Wally, and KK can keep up their hot streaks.
I hope some Dutchmen faithful make it to the Houston Field House to support the team even though it is a weeknight. I am planning on traveling up to Troy in the afternoon to make the game and I hope as many of you do the same.
To read more about the Dutchmen and their current streak head to UnionAthletics.com.
Read other previews on the game including Ed Weaver here and Tim Wilkin here, along with video interviews courtesy of Ken Schott here.
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