BURLINGTON, VT – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's hockey team dropped a 3–0 decision to the University of Vermont on tonight at Gutterson Fieldhouse. The game remained tightly contested into the final minutes before a pair of empty-net goals sealed the result for the Catamounts.

The opening two periods were defined by strong defensive structure and goaltending on both sides. Freshman netminder Nate Krawchuk was sharp from the outset, turning aside 19 shots over the first 40 minutes to keep the contest scoreless. RPI generated consistent offensive-zone pressure, particularly in the second period, with quality chances from Tyler Wallace, Rainers Rullers, and Matthew Buckley, while Rullers rang a shot off the post late in the frame.

Vermont broke the deadlock just 11 seconds into the third period, converting an even-strength chance that proved to be the game-winning goal. RPI responded with sustained pressure and continued to control the faceoff circle, but was unable to solve Catamount goaltender Aiden Wright, who finished with a 30-save shutout.

The Engineers pulled the goaltender in the closing minutes in search of the equalizer, but Vermont capitalized with empty-net tallies at 18:50 and 19:15 to extend the margin to 3–0.

Despite the final score, RPI turned in several strong individual efforts. Wallace led all Engineers with four shots on goal, while Buckley and Luciano Wilson each recorded three attempts on net. Krawchuk finished with 27 saves in 59:28 of action, allowing just one goal before the empty-net situations late.

RPI will look to regroup as it returns to ECAC Hockey play at Princeton on Friday.