Special Events Planned at RPI

TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men’s and women’s hockey teams return to ECAC Hockey action this weekend and each of the home games feature special festivities and opportunities at the Houston Field House.

The men’s team, which is 8-6-1 overall and 3-1-0 in the league, hosts #7 Cornell University (6-2-1; 5-2-0) on Friday at 7pm and Colgate University (6-4-4; 4-2-1) on Saturday at 4pm. RPI is currently in fourth place in the ECAC Hockey standings, which show Cornell place in second and Colgate in third.

Friday night’s men’s game against the nationally-ranked Big Red is Whiteout, when all fans are encouraged to wear white to the contest.

On Saturday fans are asked to make a contribution for those in need during this holiday season. RPI United, a student-run organization, has teamed up with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and will host a Toys for Tots drive. Members of the school spirit group will staff a table where they will collect new, unwrapped toys that will be donated. Cash and checks will also be accepted in lieu of toys. Those who contribute will be entered into a raffle for an autographed Mike Bergin jersey from this year’s Black Friday game.

There will also be a Teddy Bear Toss, in conjunction with Turfer Athletic, during an intermission with all the stuffed animals also being donated to area children. And after the game, which features the special 4pm start time, is the Annual Skate with the Engineers. Spectators are encouraged to don on a pair of skates and spend time with the men’s hockey team and coaching staff. All those interested in participating are required to bring their own skates.

Rensselaer’s women’s team takes on Union College in a league game on Sunday at noon. RPI, which is 5-8-4 overall and 2-2-2 in ECAC Hockey, also plays the Dutchwomen (2-11-1; 0-5-1) on Saturday at 2pm in Schenectady.

The women’s game on Sunday is Girl Scouts Day. All scouts in attendance will be eligible for prizes and have the chance to meet members of the team as well as the coaches. There is no admission charged for the women’s games.

Tickets for the men’s games are available at the Houston Field House box office, all TicketMaster locations or by calling the box office at 518-276-6262.

All four games will be aired live on WRPI, 91.5 FM, and www.wrpi.org and live statistics are also available. Live video through B2 Networks in conjunction with RPI TV is also available for the three home games.