TROY, N.Y. - The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team will conduct its Annual Red/White Scrimmage this Saturday, October 4, beginning at 5pm at the Houston Field House. Following the scrimmage, which marks the collegiate debuts of the team's eight freshmen, both the men and women's teams will take part in the Annual Skate with the Engineers.

Both the scrimmage and the skate, which will begin at approximately 7:15pm, are free and open to the public. The skate-a-long will run until approximately 8:45pm. All those interested in participating are required to bring their own skates.

Players and coaches from both squads will be on hand to skate, “meet and greet” fans, sign autographs and pose for photos.

The men's team opens the 2008-09 season on Saturday, October 11, against the University of Vermont in Quebec City (4pm). RPI makes its home debut the following evening when it hosts the USA Under-18 National Development Team at 5pm at the Houston Field House.

Rensselaer finished the 2007-08 season with an overall record of 11-23-4. Among those returning from that team are the top three scorers, each of the defensemen and a goaltender.

Rensselaer's women's team, which is in its fourth season on the Division I level, opened its season with a pair of exhibition game wins last weekend. The Engineers host Northeastern in 'Pack the House Night' on Friday at 7pm and Boston University on Saturday at 2pm.

Among those returning for the Engineers, who went 13-15-5 in 2007-08, are 10 forwards, three defensemen and three goaltenders. Seven newcomers, including four on offense and three blueliners, have joined the team.