TROY, N.Y. - While RPI hockey games are typically action-packed and filled with excitement, this weekend's men's games will have numerous added activities that will undoubtedly enhance the experiences of those in attendance. The festivities begin with RPI Spirit Day and include a retrospective of both the women's and men's programs, a Winter Carnival, the men's hockey alumni game, a ceremonial puck drop by Lloyd Bauer '55, two critical ECAC Hockey contests - including the 45th Annual Big Red Freakout! with special jerseys - and more.

Below is a schedule of events with details and links when applicable:

FRIDAY, February 10

RPI SPIRIT DAY
On Campus & Virtual | All Day & Night

• RPI Spirit Day is an annual virtual event that invites all members of the Rensselaer community to show off their school pride by taking a picture and sharing it online. To participate and to learn more, visit the Spirit Day webpage by clicking HERE. 

#RPISpiritDay2023

2023 CARL A. WESTERDAHL FORUM - RPI HOCKEY: ITS HISTORY AND TRADITIONS
Heffner Alumni House | 4-5:30pm

• The 2023 Carl A. Westerdahl Forum – RPI Hockey:  Its History and Traditions – will feature a look at the men's and women's hockey programs at RPI from their early days and will include a behind the scenes look at the creation of the Big Red Freakout!, the artist who drew Puckman and what led to that trademarked favorite of fans, hockey line, the Pep Band, and more. Attendees will hear from RPI hockey legacies, including a former women's player and her daughter who is currently on the women's squad, as well as a father and his two daughters, all of whom played hockey at RPI. Inside details about the 1985 National Hockey Championship team and the 1995 ECAC Championship team will also be shared.

This event, which is sponsored by the Friends of Folsom Library, is free and registration is required. Online registration is available online by clicking HERE.  

Parking is available at the Heffner Alumni House. Shuttle transportation from the Alumni House to the Houston Field House will be available before and after the game against Brown.

MEN'S HOCKEY VS. BROWN | ALUMNI WEEKEND
Houston Field House | 7pm

• Just one point separates the Engineers and the Bears in the ECAC Hockey standings as both teams continue to fight for home-ice advantage heading toward the post-season.

Click HERE for ticket information
 
SATURDAY, February 11

WINTER CARNIVAL 2023 | "ALL THAT GLITTERS IS SNOW"
East Campus Athletic Village | 11am-3pm

• Carnival games, events, and more open to the entire RPI community and will be a great opportunity to promote your club or organization as well.

MEN'S HOCKEY ALUMNI GAME | CHERRY VS. WHITE
Houston Field House | 12:30-1:30pm

• Former Engineers lace up their skates in an attempt to relive their glory days of representing RPI.

BIG RED FREAKOUT! ICE HOUSE
Heffner Alumni House | Pre-Game & Post-Game

• The Big Red Freakout! Ice House gathers alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of Rensselaer hockey together to enjoy a bountiful buffet dinner beginning at 4:30pm before the men's game against Yale. Fans can get their game-face on with "tattoos" courtesy of the Red & White Student Organization, and enjoy a performance by the Pep Band. After the game, a meet-and-greet with the men's hockey team and coaches provides opportunities to get autographs and with favorite players. A cash bar and complimentary hot drinks, desserts, and snacks will be available. To register for the Ice House, please click HERE.

Advance dinner reservations are required and there are no refunds. Cost for the Ice House buffet dinner is $22 per adult, $12 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. Questions should be directed to the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@rpi.edu or (518) 276-6205.

Registration for Ice House does NOT include game tickets though hockey tickets are available by clicking HERE.

Parking is available at the Heffner Alumni House. Shuttle transportation from the Alumni House to the Houston Field House will be available before and after the game against Yale.

CEREMONIAL PUCK DROP BY LLOYD BAUER '55 | MEMBER OF 1954 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM AND TRANSFORMATIONAL DONOR
Houston Field House | Pre-Game

• Lloyd Bauer, a defenseman on RPI's NCAA Championship hockey team in 1954, will be a special guest at the Big Red Freakout! and will drop the ceremonial puck to start the game. Bauer will also be recognized for his $2 million gift to fund the establishment of the C. Lloyd Bauer '55 Endowed Men's Varsity Ice Hockey Coach. In addition to the gift to the hockey program, he established The Charles W. and Dorothy F. Bauer Scholarship in 2004, in honor of his parents, who instilled the value of education in him.

Click HERE for ticket information

MEN'S HOCKEY VS. YALE | 45th ANNUAL BIG RED FREAKOUT!
Houston Field House | 7pm

• Started in 1978 as a way to make college hockey unique, the Big Red Freakout was an instant success. Each year, fans come to the rink saturated in Rensselaer's signature cherry red color, ready to cheer on the men's hockey team. The special addition to this night is a commemorative gift, known as a favor, each fan receives as they enter the arena.
• Men's hockey alumni will be introduced by name as part of an on-ice ceremony during the first intermission. 
• Added to this year's game is the opportunity to win a commemorative Freakout! game-worn jersey as they will be raffled off. Winners will get their jerseys on the ice immediately following the game.
• And, it is the kickoff celebration by the RPI Pep Band, which is now in its 100th year. Click HERE to read a February 8 article from the The Polytechnic.

Click HERE for ticket information

For those unable to attend the Big Red Freakout! or Friday's game in person, both contests will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in conjunction with RPI TV. They will also air on WRPI, 91.5 FM, and www.wrpi.org.