Optimism and Positive Attitudes at RPI
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The following article appeared December 11 on the Inside College Hockey (INCH) Web site.
By Joe Gladziszewski
Though the last seven games haven’t gone particularly well
in terms of results, the big picture at RPI this season is pretty
nice to look at, and that’s a welcome change following three
difficult seasons mired in the bottom third of ECAC Hockey. A
strong start to the season included a 7-3-1 record through the
first 11 games. RPI won its first three ECAC Hockey contests as
well.
“I think our fans feel it, I think they like the way
we’re playing. I think we play a fast and aggressive physical
style when we play properly, and so I think the fans and the
community and the school are excited about it. More importantly
than that, I think the guys are. I think the guys sense that this
could be a pretty good season. We’ve got a lot of work to do
to get there, but we could be a pretty good team,” RPI head
coach Seth Appert said.
Chase Polacek leads RPI with 25 points in 18 games.
The Engineers have added talent to the roster every year and this
year’s incoming class includes NHL draft picks Jerry
D’Amigo (Toronto) and Brandon Pirri (Chicago). That duo ranks
second and third on the team in scoring. Pirri’s seven goals
and 10 assists trail only junior Chase Polacek (12-13-25).
D’Amigo has five goals and 14 points and has played every
game this year, despite concern about a recent knee injury and
speculation that he could miss a couple weeks of action.
They’ve provided an immediate impact, but also a sort of
energy to some of the team’s veterans that have seen some
lean times in their careers.
Complete article can be accessed via the INCH Web site by clicking here.
