POTSDAM, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) men's ice hockey team season concluded in a tightly contested battle, with Clarkson holding on for a 2-1 win in the opening round of the ECAC playoffs tonight.

After a scoreless opening period in which both teams traded chances, the Engineers broke through midway through the second period. At 14:33, Ian Scherzer gave RPI a 1–0 lead, finishing an even-strength opportunity off assists from Gunnar VanDamme and Landen Hilditch. 

Clarkson responded quickly, however, tying the game just 59 seconds later, sending both teams to the third period knotted at 1–1.

The Golden Knights broke the deadlock late in regulation. At 15:16 of the third, Justin Cote scored the eventual game-winning goal to put Clarkson ahead 2–1. 

RPI pulled its goaltender in the three minutes in search of the equalizer and generated several late attempts from Luciano Wilson, Kazimier Sobieski, and Filip Sitar, but Clarkson held on to secure the opening-round victory.

Nate Krawchuk delivered a strong performance with 31 saves, stopping 10 shots in the first period, 11 in the second, and 10 more in the third to keep RPI within striking distance throughout the night.

The Engineers generated 22 shots on goal and held Clarkson scoreless on the power play.

RPI wraps the 2025-26 season with an overall record of 11-23-1.