The game started well enough for the Engineers, as Freshman Ryan Shields deflected a shot off of Vermont Goalie Andrew Allen and into the net partway into the first period. No one scored again for the rest of the first and most of the second period. In fact, the two teams played thirty goal-free minutes before Jim Henkel put the moves on Allen for an unassisted breakaway goal, increasing the Engineers’ lead to 2.

Almost immediately after RPI scored, Vermont got a man advantage and put it to good use. A goal by Catamount Patrick Sharp reduced Rensselaer’s lead to 1. Early in the third, another power play goal tied the game.

The Engineers dominated the third period, keeping the puck in Vermont’s zone, but they just couldn’t put the puck past Allen. RPI had several opportunities to take the lead back that was taken away by the Vermont goalie. Two saves in particular stand out. One came when Matt Murley found Allen way out of position. He lined the shot up to place it well, but something caused it to deflect out of the goal—either Allen’s stick or the post. Not long after, Marc Cavosie shot a fast one from short range to Allen’s side, but the goalie caught it with a quick reaction by his glove.

RPI continued to dominate in the overtime period, but was unable to take back the lead.

"It would have been nice to win one in front of the fans," said Head Coach Dan Fridgen.

Freshman Nathan Marsters posted a good performance in goal, coming up with 32 saves. Jim Vickers also made some key plays, stopping Vermont scoring opportunities several times, and preventing the Catamounts from taking the puck out of their zone.