RIT, now in its second season as a DI program, will look to build off a very successful year in 2012-13, finishing with a .500 record (16-16-1), while advancing to the semifinals of the College Hockey America Postseason Tournament as a first-year Division I program. RIT finished tied for third in the CHA regular season standings and won its first two Division I postseason contests. Head Coach Scott McDonald returns 14 players from last year’s team and has 10 highly touted recruits who will join the squad this season.
Senior Kourtney Kunichika (Fullerton, CA/LA Selects) returns as RIT’s leading scorer, having posted 24 points (9-15-24) last season. In goal, junior Ali Binnington (Oakville, Ontario/Mississauga Chiefs)returns after emerging as the starter for the Tigers in 2012-13. Last season, Binnington appeared in 28 games, recording an 11-10-4 record, finishing among the national leaders with a 1.93 goals against average (13th nationally) and .928 save percentage (tied for ninth nationally). She also recorded six shutouts, tied for third in all of Division I.
The Tigers are picked to finish fourth in the CHA preseason coaches poll. Last year, RIT outscored its opponents, 96-79.
Toronto opened its season with a 4-2 win over Stoney Creek last Saturday. Taytum Clairmont and Amanda Pantaleo both had a goal and an assist to lead the squad. In goal, Brynna Kerr made 15 saves. This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools.
Clarkson, ranked third in the first USCHO.com Division I poll of the 2013-14 season, returns 16 players from last year’s squad that finished 28-10-0 and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals. The Golden Knights are picked to finish first in the 2013-14 ECAC preseason coaches poll. Clarkson outscored their opponents 110-68 last season. Jamie Lee Rattray and Carly Mercer were Clarkson’s top two scorers in 2012-13 and both return for their senior seasons. Rattray led the way with 22 goals and 52 points, while Mercer tallied 17 goals and 41 points. In net, Erica Howe returns after finishing 27-10-0 with a 1.73 goals against average and .931 save percentage.
Clarkson leads the all-time series between the two schools, 6-4-1, having last met during the 1984-85 season.
Tickets for Friday’s exhibition game are available at the Gordon Field House and Activities Center Box Office or by phone at (585) 475-4121. Fans can also purchase tickets at www.rithockey.com. Ticket prices are $5 for adults, $4 for faculty/staff/alumni and $3 for students and youth. RIT student admission is free with valid ID (ticket must be picked up at the box office, one per ID).
