Well, Jim Teresco was right about the Albany area media coverage of both
Union & RPI. The press has, over the years, given heavy coverage to RPI
while virtually none to Union. Perhaps this is understandably so, seeing
that RPI was winning a lot those years and Union wasn't! :-(
 
This is my first year as a grad student at Union and I can tell everbody
that Union hockey is becoming popular amongst the students at a feverish
pitch. With Union's lack of frequent winning since they joined Div I, the
Albany press seemed to just show the score and not worry about details.
But, now we are seeing a heated rivalry develop. IMHO, RPI may have taken
Union for granted. I'm sure they knew that the Dutchmen were on a hot streak,
but they also knew that Union hadn't won in Troy since God knows when!
 
I wasn't at the game last night, but I could sense the silence in the crowd
at Houston Field House. I think RPI fans got their wake-up call last night
( along with the team, of course ) and realized that Union IS for real.
My advice to RPI and even the rest of the ECAC, Union is not to be taken
advantage of anymore, so beware! The Dutchmen's core this year consists of
mostly freshman. Just ask RPI about Chris Ford! I'm not saying that Union
is my pick for the ECAC title next year, but with the group of freshmen,
a fabulous coach in Bruce Delventhal (my Coach of the Year with apologies
to Colorado College), and their growing confidence that they can play with
the heavyweights, a perennial pain-in-the-neck team seems to be waiting
for the rest of the ECAC.
 
About the rivalry, well, I was a witness to Clarkson-SLU for four years
and I see something as good (if not better!) with Union & RPI.
 
It would be not only be monumental for Union to make it to Lake Placid, but
monumental for hockey. This is a school that won about 5 or 6 league games
in their first two years combined. Now they have a chance to make the ECAC
semis!? Need I say anymore?
 
Good luck to both teams tonight! I'll be at the game rooting for Union
(mostly because I'm a Clarkson fan & I go to the school) and their chances.
I'm not sure if I'd like to see them against Clarkson in Placid, provided
both of those teams make it, but I'd like to see them take the next step
to recognition!
 
Andy Weise
SUNY Potsdam '93
Union College '9?
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Let's Go Tech!!!       Let's Go U!!!!!