Rensselaer took second in the Ice Breaker Tournament over the weekend in Madison after winning the opening game on Friday against the University of Wisconsin.
Despite a slow start, the RPI offense looked to be in mid-season form. Five different scorers found the back of the net, including assistant captain Scott Basiuk on a power play. Special teams excellence led the way for the Engineers, killing off all five penalties, and scoring on one of three power play opportunities. Freshmen Kevin Croxton and Keith McWilliams each tallied an assist and classmate Brad Farynuk added two assists, all contributing to the balanced offense. Returnees Mikael Hammarstrom, Ben Barr, Nick Economakos, Vic Perieira, and Basiuk each tallied one goal, with Basiuk leading all scorers with one goal and two assists. Kevin Kurk made 30 saves en route to a 5-1 victory and an advance to the finals of the tournament.
The more powerful Boston University proved to be a greater problem for Rensselaer. The Engineers got outshot, overpowered, and outplayed on special teams. A tough Terrier defense combined with sloppy, penalty-ridden play by RPI led to a 5-1 BU win. Rensselaer took five minor penalties, and BU converted on two of them. Danny Eberly posted the lone RPI goal, with assists from veterans Carson Butterwick and Nolan Graham. Nathan Marsters made 36 saves, but was slathered with shots in the first period. The Engineers are 1-1 on the season and open at home versus UMass Lowell on Friday. They start the ECAC schedule on November 8 at home with a game against the Clarkson Golden Knights.
