Note: This story originally appeared in the February 6 edition of the men's hockey program

In its previous seven games the Rensselaer men's hockey team has posted a respectable 3-3-1 record to improve its ECAC Hockey record to 5-8-1.

Now entering the final stretch of the season and with five of their remaining eight games at home at the Houston Field House, the Engineers could very well can do some damage heading into the ECAC Hockey Playoffs – and beyond.

To do so, RPI must continue to rely on its upperclassman and, in particular, its seniors.

“As a team, we are starting to understand how we need to play to be successful and it's very encouraging for the rest of the season,” said captain Matt Angers-Goulet, one of six seniors on the team. “We are playing with more confidence and we believe we can get “home-ice” advantage for the first round of the playoffs.”

Angers-Goulet feels very fortunate to be part of the process that has moved the program forward. He credits a bright coaching staff that knows how to win at the collegiate level as one of the main catalysts. “Change does not happen overnight, he said. “But we are making strides in the right direction and it will certainly be worth the sacrifices and patience.”

As captain in his final year at RPI, the St. Augustin, Quebec, native acknowledges the great honor it is to represent the team and the school. 

“You always want to lead by example and to communicate a positive message to your teammates. You want to make sure everyone is working towards a common goal while promoting team chemistry. You also have to make sure that the players are on the same page as the coaching staff and that any issues are addressed.” 

Angers-Goulet also pointed out the great help he has gotten from assistant captains Seth Klerer, who is also a senior, and Peter Merth, a junior, as well as the remainder of the upperclassmen.

Getting to this point didn't happen overnight though, and Matt has definitely come a long way since his freshman year.

“As a person, I think I became more mature. As the years go by, you start to appreciate every moment a little more as you reach the end of your college career,” he said. “As a hockey player, I became a more complete player and I have more responsibilities. My role changed throughout the years, but my will and commitment to play for RPI remain unchanged.”

Another interesting aspect about this season for Matt is that he gets to play alongside his younger brother, Alex, who is freshman forward for the Engineers.

Before this year the two have never played together. Describing the situation the older Angers-Goulet said, “Playing with my brother is definitely something very special for me and my family, and it has been a very pleasant experience so far. Recently, we have been playing on the same line along with Kurt Colling and we were able to develop a nice chemistry while producing a few goals.”

Since the second semester began, the trio has combined for 22 points on eight goals and 14 assists in nine games. Matt has a goal and six assists, including a three-assist contest, in that span. Brother Alex has chipped in with four goals and five assists and Colling has three goals and three helpers.

Matt names the season opener against Vermont in Quebec City in which both he and Alex started in front of family and friends as something he will always remember.

“As an older brother, you always want the best for your family and playing with my younger brother and watching him having some success is a great feeling. I wish we could have played more years together, but at least we got the chance to do it this year and it makes my senior year even more special,” he said.

While one chapter as an Engineer comes to a close, another is just beginning for the Angers-Goulet family. The same can be said for the Rensselaer hockey program which is looking to transition and evolve into a perennial contender in the ECAC Hockey once again.

Matt stressed how appreciative the team is of the great support they receive from President Jackson and from the entire RPI community, and feels the future is bright for the Engineers.

“RPI made a big statement by bringing the East Campus Athletic Village project to life and it shows their strong support for athletics,” Angers-Goulet said. “Changes at the Houston Field House already have happened (dressing rooms, training room, etc.), and more changes are still to come. It is very exciting to see where the program is heading.”