Most hockey seasons see the comings and goings of players that the fans never really get to know. In college hockey, however, the opportunity is presented to cheer for each player for four years. What happens when these players become seniors and graduate? Over the next few weeks there will be coverage highlighting the time the current seniors have spent at RPI and what their future holds for them.

Jordan Alford

Putting on the RPI jersey and skating out in front of the home crowd will always stand out in the mind of senior goalie Jordan Alford. Since that first night we have witnessed the capabilities of this player, in situations both good and bad. Alford bids farewell to RPI with a collegiate record of 16-23-4 and a save percentage of .890. That record includes a 2-1 victory over nationally-ranked Denver University his junior year when he had his season-high 38 saves in a game, a shootout win over Union College in last year’s Governor’s Cup, and a shut-out victory against Colgate University to place first in the Governor’s Cup tournament once again.

Alford’s record is impressive both on the ice and off. He has made the ECAC’s All-Academic Team two years in a row. While proud, he gives the majority of the credit to the players before him, stating, “The upperclassmen before us set the bar pretty high.”

With the end of the hockey season came an end to scheduled life for Alford. He is no longer around the rest of the team every day working out and preparing for the season to come, expressing “I don’t see anyone; you’re on your own.”

That little boy who put on skates long ago is still just looking ahead to the future. There are two plans currently on the table for Alford’s future, the first of which is to find a team to play for that is not “behind the old iron curtain.” There is the backup that RPI has given him which he currently acknowledges as a viable option: going home to Calgary and finding a job in finance or real estate. This would not mean the end of hockey in Alford’s life; he will definitely be involved in hockey one way or another, depending upon the situations life presents.

The family atmosphere of a collegiate hockey team is among the things Alford will miss most. “Guys come and go so you’re not as close,” he said describing non-collegiate teams. He has appreciated all of the support the fans and community have given over the past four years and thanks them for making them very memorable years.

Andrew Lord

For senior forward Andrew Lord, coming in second as the ECAC All-Academic Athlete this year with a 3.99 GPA to senior forward Landis Stankievech was a bittersweet moment. Teammates on the Vernon Vipers, Lord describes Stankievech as a really nice guy who is very academically gifted and always excited about school and studying. Lord has been on the ECAC All-Academic Team since his sophomore year.

Being cool under pressure in the academic and athletic worlds is one of Lord’s many talents. When time gets down to the last few minutes in a game and there is a one-goal lead either way, just being out on the ice doing what he loves is one of Lord’s favorite parts of the game. Having played in 134 games and scored 19 goals during his time here, Lord comes in third amongst his teammates for both.

Come May no plans have been set in stone. The desire to play hockey in North America is very real for him. “I want to play as long as I can, I love the game so much,” explained Lord. He predicts no problem, however, playing as a second job if necessary. When he is no longer able to play, Lord sees himself starting from scratch in the coaching field. When asked what he would miss most, Lord responded, “Sitting in the locker room after a win, coach just finished his speech and we put on the tunes, and we just be a team, do our thing, dance around; for that night we are winners.”

Looking toward the future of RPI hockey, Lord expressed that it is “starting to turn around and for all of the true fans we have really appreciated the support.”

With the departure from the collegiate hockey daily activities, Lord continues to be an ambassador for admissions while focusing on his school work.

The dream of skating on the ice for a living is close to fruition for both Alford and Lord. Come graduation day, RPI bids farewell to two talented and promising athletes. These seniors leave behind a family and a team.