ALBANY, NY – The 5th Annual Mayor’s Cup men’s ice hockey game between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Union College will be played at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.
At the conclusion of each Mayor’s Cup game, the honorable Mayors of the Cities of Albany (Kathy Sheehan), Schenectady (Gary McCarthy), and Troy (Patrick Madden) meet on the ice and Mayor Sheehan presents the trophy to the winning team’s captain and Mayor of the institution’s city.
The Mayor’s Cup has seen a 40% increase in attendance over its first four years, going from 5,989 fans in 2013 to 8,485 fans in 2016.
“I am pleased that the Times Union Center will again host this hometown rivalry game between Union and RPI,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “The increase in attendance shows that people in the region are embracing the Mayor’s Cup and want to see two top-notch collegiate hockey programs face off in Albany. I am already looking forward to next January to see which team will take the cup.”
“We are extremely pleased that we were able to schedule a date in Mid-January 2017 to continue the hosting of the Mayor’s Cup rivalry college hockey game between Union College and RPI,” said Bob Belber, SMG Regional General Manager-Times Union Center. “This very competitive game attracts families from all around the Capital Region.”
The Cup has changed hands all four years, with the two teams alternating each year victories. The first two Capital District Mayor’s Cup games were decided by one goal. The Dutchmen claimed the inaugural game, 3-2, and the Engineers responded with a 2-1 victory the following year. In 2015, Union recorded an 8-3 win. This past season, RPI regained possession of the cup with a 5-2 victory.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to continue our great rivalry with Union in the Mayor’s Cup,” said Seth Appert, RPI Head Coach. “The excitement and passion surrounding this game from the entire Capital District has made it an extraordinarily special game for our student-athletes. We look forward to another huge crowd at the Times Union Center.”
“The Mayor’s Cup is such an exciting event on many levels,” said Union College Head Coach Rick Bennett. “The atmosphere at the Times Union Center, combined with the rivalry between Union and RPI, make for one of the best college hockey games of the year. The local communities have been tremendous in their support and our student-athletes have always enjoyed the positive experience.”
RPI is 9-4-2 all-time at the Times Union Center. Union has an all-time record of 5-7-2 at the arena. In the all-time series at all venues, RPI leads, 51-34-10 since the series began on February 26, 1904.
The schools currently compete for the “Dutchman Shoes Trophy,” which has been presented since 1950 to the winner of the annual football contest. The schools have met on the gridiron since 1886.
