With the concern over athletic scholarships now passed, Rensselaer officially announced its intention to elevate the level of its women’s hockey program to the Division I level. A Division III proposal that would have eliminated the ability of schools that “play up” in one sport to give athletic scholarships, was amended at the NCAA Convention … Read more
Was a masterful, coordinated effort by eight schools enough to change the course of Monday’s D-III vote on scholarships?
Houston Fieldhouse, Troy, N.Y., Dec. 28-29 Northeastern vs. Colgate, 4 ET Sunday Mercyhurst at Rensselaer, 7 ET Sunday Consolation, 4 ET Monday Championship, 7 ET Monday Television: None. Colgate (7-6-2) Players to Watch: LW Jon Smyth, Soph. (11-7–18); C Kyle Wilson, Soph. (6-11–17); F Kyle Doyle, Sr. (8-8–16). Noteable: Jon Smyth, the team leader with … Read more
With the Division III scholarship legislation entering its final phase, the schools negatively affected by the proposal are gearing up for a showdown.
Rensselaer has named Andrew Will as its interim assistant men’s hockey coach. Will replaces John Burke, who was named the head coach of Rensselaer’s women’s hockey team. Will had been an assistant at Union and was not retained when Nate Leaman was named head coach this summer. Will is a 1996 graduate of Union and … Read more
Rensselaer named John Burke, currently the top assistant for the men’s hockey team, as the acting head coach of the women’s hockey team. Burke will succeed Bill Cahill, who passed away from a heart attack Oct. 5. “I am thrilled that John has accepted the position,” Rensselaer’s Athletic Director Ken Ralph said. “Bill established great … Read more
Bill Cahill, the head women’s ice hockey coach at Rensselaer, passed away last night after a heart attack. He was 53. CAHILL Cahill was entering his fourth season as the head coach of the Engineers. Last year, he guided his team to an 18-6-0 regular season record, a second place finish in the ECAC East … Read more
A personal reflection on the loss of two hockey friends.
The bulk of the team that produced a 25-loss season in 2002-03 returns this season. That’s not exactly a good thing. Granted, the Engineers will look to build off the tough lessons of a year ago, but it’s hard to imagine them making much of a run in the standings. A continuation of Ben Barr’s … Read more
Athletic directors from seven of the eight schools affected by the Division III proposal to eliminate athletic scholarships for members playing a Division I sport, met to plan their opposition to the proposal on the campus of Rensselaer. Those attending were Sean Frazier (Clarkson), Joel Nielsen (Colorado College), Betty Powell (Hartwick), Tom Calder (Johns Hopkins), … Read more
Rensselaer president Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson released the strongest statement yet in response to pending legislation that would eliminate the ability of Division III institution from awarding athletic scholarships in Division I sports. “If it is approved, this proposal could place Rensselaer’s well-respected hockey tradition in jeopardy, and hamper the ability of ice hockey players … Read more
The Division I future of four of the nation’s most storied programs has been threatened by a proposal that has swept through Division III. As part of a sweeping reform package, the Division III President’s Council has recommended a proposal that would eliminate the ability for Division III schools that “play up” in one sport … Read more
It was a tale of two seasons for the Rensselaer Engineers in 2001-2002. Towards the end of January, the Engineers were in last place in the ECAC, sparking questions about the state of the program. But at the end of the season, the Engineers had reached 20 wins, finished third in the ECAC tournament, and … Read more
Rensselaer All-American Marc Cavosie has signed a professional hockey contract with the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League, thus relinquishing his final year of college eligibility. Terms of the contract are undisclosed. “I’m thrilled,” the junior from nearby Cohoes, N.Y., said. “I’ve had a tremendous experience at RPI and I’m going to miss my … Read more
Rensselaer endured a disappointing year in 2000-01, but Dan Fridgen’s squad returns much of its experience. Co-captain Matt Murley spearheads the Engineer offense, while Steve Munn anchors the RPI ‘D.’
Rensselaer director of athletics Bob Ducatte announced his retirement today after 34 years at the school. Ducatte, who has spent the past 30 years as the athletics director, will remain in his position until June 30. “This is a position and a school that I feel passionately for,” Ducatte said. “It’s hard to say goodbye, … Read more
So many questions in Troy, and some wonder if head coach Dan Fridgen has the answers. Item 1: just two of the top seven scorers on the Engineer squad return. Item 2: a four-year goaltending duo graduates, leaving as incumbent a junior who played six minutes last season. So many questions. In nets, the Engineers … Read more
Bill Cahill, the assistant men’s coach at Rensselaer for the past seven seasons, has been named the new head coach of RPI’s women’s program. Cahill replaces Ryan Stone, who left to take an assistant coaching position at Brown. Unlike the men’s program, RPI’s women play in the ECAC on the Division III level. “RPI is … Read more
Ending speculation about his collegiate status, Rensselaer All-American Brad Tapper signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Thrashers of the National Hockey League Monday, thus relinquishing his final year of college eligibility. Tapper will join the club in September for training camp. “I’m very excited for me and my family,” said Tapper. “To try … Read more
There are times in life when people are pleasantly surprised. Rensselaer fans have been pleasantly surprised over the last four years by a quiet young man from Saskatchewan. Joel Laing came to Rensselaer from Maryfield, Saskatchewan, and has played his way into being one of the ten best players in Division I college hockey. Laing … Read more