[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign.
[00:00:03] Speaker B: The following program is brought to you in living color on Dell gazette.com or wherever you get your podcast.
The Daily Gazette Company presents the parting Shots Podcast. Now here's your host, Daily Gazette Sports Editor Ken Shots. Thank you Scott Keasy, and welcome to the Parting Shots Podcast, available wherever you get your podcast. Subscribe today. Thanks for joining me. From the Parting Shots Podcast Studio in Schenectady, New York. We have another great show for you. We're going to dedicate this podcast to Saturday's Mayor's cup games. That's right, the Capital District Mayor's cup games that take place Saturday at MVP Arena. The women's game begins at 3:00 and the men's game starts at 6 as Union and RPI renew their rivalries on Saturday.
We talked with Union men's head coach Josh Hauge on Wednesday's podcast, got his thoughts on that. We're going to get the thoughts of senior defenseman Cullen Ferguson who was at the media availability Tuesday at a frigid MVP Arena. Let me tell you, it was very cold outside. It was in single digits and I walked into the atrium at MVP arena and it was not warm at all. It was very cold in that arena. I never took my jacket off. I brought my computer bag in with my laptop because I didn't want to have that sitting out in the frigid cold. It's, you know, the single digit temperature because who knows what could have happened to the computer. But I kind of wonder if it was going to get something that's going to happen to computer freezing up in the cold atrium there at MVP Arena. But should be a fun Saturday. Like I said, we talked with Colin Ferguson as other members of the media did. We also talk to RPI men's head coach Dave Smith and a couple of the rpi players, Brad McNeil and Max Smolinski. And on the women's side we talk with Union women's head coach Tony Macy. This will be his first Mayor's Cup. He's first year with the Garner Chargers. Marin Friday and Ma Bear represented the Union players. And on the RPI side we talked with head coach Brian Vines who's really been a part of this I think since the beginning. He was the men's assistant coach with Seth Appert and he's been part of the women's program. Women have won five of these RPI women have won five of the six Mayors Cups and Union men have won eight of the 11, including the last three. That's the same with RPI. They're also on a three game winning streak with the Mayors cup. So we mentioned Brian Vines and also with Union RPI players.
I forget. Sorry, I apologize. I had to make sure I get the pronunciation correct here for the RPI player Natalie Tolchinsky and she's a Clifton park native and Ellie Kaiser. So we talk with them as well. So should be a fun Saturday afternoon there at MVP Arena. So when we come back we'll talk Men's Mayor's Cup.
So stay tuned. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
[00:03:06] Speaker A: Explore the benefits of subscribing to the Daily Gazette like our convenient E Edition app, personalized newsletters and unique reader rewards. When you join, start your membership today offers redeemable at www.dailygazette.com hi, this is Siena Women's basketball Head coach Terry Primarily you're listening to the Party Shots podcast.
[00:03:30] Speaker B: With Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shots.
Welcome back to the podcast. As we are talking in the Capital District Mayors cup on Saturday at MVP arena, the men will hit the ice at 6 o'clock for their clash between Union and RPI. Union since the start of this Mares cup in 2013 has won 8 of 11.
The Garner Chargers have won the last three. So the senior class for the Union men's hockey team looking to go four zero and have a perfect record in the Mayor's Cup. So on Saturday or Tuesday down at MVP arena, we talked with Josh Haljan. As I said at the top of the broadcast, you heard from Josh on Wednesday's podcast we also talked with senior defenseman and team captain Cullen Ferguson.
So here's what he had to say about the possibility of of Union winning four straight cups and having a senior class win go4.0 in the Mayor's Cup.
Colin, as a member of the senior class, you have not lost the Mares cup game. So what do it mean to complete a 40 record for the senior class?
[00:04:39] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean me and the other seniors were talking about this earlier in the week. I think regardless, this game is the one that you remember the most every single year.
It's the most fun you're going to have. It's the most professional environment. So yeah, to win another one would be super special. And I know the guys in the locker room, it would mean a lot to them.
[00:04:56] Speaker B: What would it mean to you personally having been part of this? I mean you scored a goal last year in this game. Just what would it mean to you personally?
[00:05:04] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean I take a lot of pride in Union. You know, they took a chance on Me brought me in. And so I think this is one of those games that it means a little bit more. You're playing for something a little bit more than yourself. You're playing for the jersey. So I think that's what the Mayor's cup is, and I think that's why it would mean so much to me to get that fourth one for you. You know, you've played in this game before for guys, maybe you haven't. What's kind of the advice as far as playing in this kind of environment, playing in a big game like this and kind of getting ready for everything that comes with it? Emotions are going to be high, the crowd is going to be loud, and you need to just make sure you block all that out.
I think you need to just get to yourself and just make sure, you know, it's just another game. You're going to have a lot of fun, enjoy the moment. Warm ups is great for that.
The boards are black, so the puck's hard to see. The ice isn't always going to be great because it's just getting put in. So just be ready for like those new adjustments. You're not playing at the Mesa and just have fun with it. Also, you guys, having won the skates trophy earlier in the year, what would it mean to kind of, you know, go out with kind of the trifecta of sweeping them, you know, throughout the season? Yeah, that would be awesome. And like I said before, you know, I take so much pride in we're in the U. That that would be an ultimate way to cap it off for sure.
[00:06:18] Speaker B: It's been 27 to 18 since a team in this rivalry has won the three games in the season. What union did that that season? So what would it mean to go three zero, you know, follow up that question?
[00:06:30] Speaker A: Yeah, well, like I said, it would mean a lot. RPI is a really good team, though, so it's not going to be easy. They compete hard, they battle to the end. I think they got really good forwards, so we just need to make sure that we lock it down in the D zone. And if we want to complete this sweep, we're going to have to really. We're going to have to really hone in our skills and details.
[00:06:48] Speaker B: How does. What do you remember the most? What do you take away the Most from that 20 sweep back in October in the ACAC over RPI?
[00:06:56] Speaker A: Just being relentless. Like we want to just keep attacking throughout the whole game. I think there's times where we tend to let up, but we need to just keep chasing that next goal. When we get the second one, we want to go for the third. When we get the third, we want to go for the fourth.
I think special teams is always going to be a really important factor in these games, so. And that's what's going to win you games at this point in the season. So we need to make sure those are dialed. I want to go back to the thing in October. Back in October, you swept the weekend, but you got a lot of penalties. So this weekend, how are you planning on avoiding as many penalties? Yeah, you just got to. Like I said, emotions are going to be high. So you just need to make sure you're careful with your stick. You're not going out of your way to make an ugly hit. You just need to be smart. I think IQ is one of the biggest things in the game and, you know, you need to be smart and not make sure. Make sure you're not reaching out and making any dirty plays. Are you in your team with. With that kind of working through the game? You score one goal, you like focus on the next one.
[00:07:50] Speaker B: Are you.
[00:07:50] Speaker A: Are you confident in your teammates? Yeah, yeah, I am really confident. I think we got a great group for that. We're very relentless. We want to keep attacking and we've worked on that as the second half of the season has gone on here. So, yeah, I believe in the guys and that they'll get the job done.
[00:08:03] Speaker B: How does this set you up for the stretch drive for ECAC hockey play this game?
[00:08:07] Speaker A: Yeah, no, it's huge. This is big. This is a big game. So you want to treat it like a playoff game. The atmosphere is going to be like a playoff game. It's going to be loud again. Emotions are going to be high. So you want to channel all that and use it for the long run.
[00:08:21] Speaker B: Not only is Union looking for a four straight Mares cup, they're looking to go 30 in the season series against the Engineers. Union won the ECAC contest back in October by scores of 63 at Houston Field. Allison 43 have come from behind victory at Messer Rink. So it's been a while since Union has won the gone 3 0. It was a 28 17, 18 season the last time that happened.
RPI coming off a pair of losses to Harvard and Dartmouth last weekend. So they had started out 20, 253 1, but two straight losses as they head into this Mayor's cup game and they're looking to, you know, try to end Union streak. So we talked first with rpi Head coach Dave Smith to get his thoughts on Saturday's game.
That's good.
David lost the first two against them.
[00:09:18] Speaker A: Earlier in the year. How big is it to just go.
[00:09:21] Speaker B: Out and get a win against Union.
[00:09:22] Speaker A: In this venue this weekend?
It's really a journey.
[00:09:26] Speaker B: Right.
[00:09:26] Speaker A: And we're not looking back. We will look back at the games and watch the video, but this is about this game this weekend, and the fact that it's a rivalry should bring out more emotion and more focus than usual. But it's just part of the journey, and this is what's next.
[00:09:44] Speaker B: How important will it be to snap unions hold on the trophy? You try to prevent them from.
[00:09:49] Speaker A: It's not about snapping a hole. We want to play great for all the obvious reasons that are here. It's the next step. It's a rivalry. It is union. It's in a great venue. And if the outcome is that we win, then we've answered your question.
[00:10:05] Speaker B: How's your team responding this week after the tough weekend with Harvard and Darbet last week in practice weekend, Right.
[00:10:11] Speaker A: For this game?
[00:10:12] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:10:12] Speaker A: You know, for us, the important message was, you know, since January 1st, we've played really consistent hockey. We took a step back last weekend against a good Harvard and a good Dartmouth team. So we just got. We got to know that, you know, a farmer doesn't dig up his seeds to see if they're growing. You just don't do that. So, you know, we're not throwing everything out out. We're getting back to the things that have worked for us. And, you know, with that comes a rivalry game and the exposure and the pressure and the good things that come from a game against Union in MVP Arena. You talk about, you know, you talked about big games up there like the ones you've seen over the weekend. Just how do you prepare guys who maybe have not played in this rivalry to play in this kind of atmosphere?
[00:10:59] Speaker B: Yeah, great question.
[00:11:00] Speaker A: I mean, the. We actually will talk about the Bills game. We'll talk about the. The Buckeyes game and. And talk about.
It's still a game of mistakes, and it's still a game of can you be yourself more effectively than the other team can be themselves?
[00:11:17] Speaker B: Right.
[00:11:18] Speaker A: It's not always us against them. It's us against us. And in those big games, let's just make sure we're being the best version of us that we can be and know that good things are going to happen, mistakes are going to happen, and let's put more good things on top of each other. Dave, you mentioned after the loss or starting with, hoping to see maybe guys come out of the gates aggressive right from puck drop. Is that something you've had to kind of press throughout this week with the Union matchup coming up? You know, well, we haven't, we haven't been great at home and you know, that's where that question originated. And maybe we'll be better because we're not really at home right now. So we just, we've been talking about finding our game, finding our mojo early, just playing to that full capacity right off the, right off the first puck drop. And it is, it will be, it will continue to be a point of emphasis.
[00:12:07] Speaker B: Dave, since the women arrived in this game in 2018, neither school has won both cups in the same year. What would it take for RPI to, you know, sweep the cups?
[00:12:16] Speaker A: Well, I think it's great that the women are playing and I also enjoy coming down and watching them. I can't really comment on what it's going to take for Union or RPI women to win, but to win games, you've got to do good things. You have to do them repeatedly. You have to weather a storm, you've got to get saves, you got to get timely goals, you got to check, you got to compete. The teams that do that have a better chance to win the trophy. And if both teams are at the same school, that's how it works. Another year in this rivalry playing this, this game. Just what does this game in Mayors cup mean to you? It's really hard to put into words, you know, coming down to a really good hockey facility that has hockey history, that's in the anchor of the Cat Capital region.
There's just a different feel about it. You add on top of that, you know, it's, it's bitter cold out, it's hockey weather, it's awesome hockey weather. You add Union, the rivalry, when you put all of those things together, it's important, it's special and it, and it feels, you know, we do have it circled on the calendar as a special game every year and it just grabs the attention of not only our team, but our athletic department, our school, our community and the equal communities on the other side.
[00:13:43] Speaker B: Is it good that where it's placed in the schedule that way you get a little break from conference play basically. You know, wrap up the non conference schedule and get ready for that stretch drive.
[00:13:53] Speaker A: You know, I like most about it, Ken, is it's a one game weekend and you can put, you know, it changes our weekly schedule just a little bit. But all of your energy, all of your focus, it's one game. And that's why I mentioned it's like a Game 7 mentality. You don't get a second chance to even it up. You don't. You know, if you win the first night, it's over. I mean, you won the weekend. So I think that's a really different mindset, and it's a good mindset for both teams.
[00:14:24] Speaker B: Representing the RPI players are defenseman Max Molinski and forward Brad McNeil. Let's hear what they had to say about Saturday's game against Union.
[00:14:32] Speaker A: With Union having won the last couple, just how much motivation is there within the team to try to bring this trophy back to rpi? Yeah, it's a lot, for sure. It's almost bulletin board material in a sense.
We talk a lot with our older guys this week, you know, them having not won one yet. And I think one. We owe it to them. We owe it to our fans, our alumni, and I think it just adds a little bit of fuel to the fire, for sure.
[00:14:56] Speaker B: What do you have to do to snap Unions? Hold on the.
[00:15:00] Speaker A: I think we still have a lot of confidence in our game, so we just got to do what we do best. And, you know, I think that's the focus in practice this week and just as a team and as individuals just winning each moment we have.
So I think when we play together as a team, there's. There's not much we can't do. So that's just the big focus this week for sure.
[00:15:19] Speaker B: Max?
[00:15:20] Speaker A: Yeah, I think you hit it right on the head. Just kind of focusing on ourselves, you know, not really worrying too much about Union, but just start some practice this week just to prepare for the, you know, the excitement of Saturday. So we're just going to focus on ourselves and prepare for the game. Talked about, you know, bulletin board material. They also, you know, won the skates trophy earlier this year. So how long have you guys maybe even had this one in the back of your head to, you know, try to get this trophy to make sure they don't get bowled? Yeah, I mean, I think probably too soon after the game. You know, I think that became the focus right away is just, we can't let them get both this year. You know, obviously that was. That was a really tough thing, giving them the skates back. And I think that that resonated with a lot of guys, you know, especially the older ones, and it kind of trickles down to the team. Pretty contagious. So this has been a Focus for a while, a talk for a long time. And we're super excited that it's this week and just, you know, can't wait to get to Saturday. Yeah, I think along with that too. Like, this is before all that. This is a game that you circle on your calendar. I've been looking at this one since I think probably like April, March of last year. So definitely an exciting one. A special game for us, you know, really important for the fans, the alumni. Like, you just you play for all those and it's just an exciting one for our team and for the community as well.
[00:16:29] Speaker B: Max, what do you guys have to do to be our beat union this time? What do you have to do differently than the first two games?
[00:16:35] Speaker A: You know, I think it comes down to a lot of different things, but for us, we're just kind of focusing on playing our own game, you know, starting from the puck job, especially playing a full 60 minutes. But for us right now, it's definitely starting in practice just to prepare for Saturday and it's. There's definitely not a lack of excitement for this game. So we'll be ready to go on Saturday. How many Mayors Cups have each of you played in? This will be my second. Yeah, this will be my third. Awesome. Okay, just for maybe some of the guys that haven't played in this game before or getting used to it, and just in general, what does it take to be successful in this kind of a big game where everything's a little bit, you know, out of proportion as far as far as how it usually goes? Yeah, I mean, I think once the puck drops, it turns into just another game. You know, it's. It's a lot of fun. It's a rivalry. It adds more excitement for sure.
You know, and the atmosphere is really special. It's a great venue. But like I said, once the puck drops, it's just focus on the same details you do every. Every week during practice, other games and stuff. So it's kind of just, you know, letting the younger guys or first years for this game know how much fun it's going to be. You can tell them a little bit about what it's about, but again, once you get here, it's. It's completely different with the atmosphere. And once the puck drops, like I said, it's just. Just what we've been doing our whole lives. So.
Yeah, I agree. I think it's, you know, it's just another game, but at the same time embracing the experience because it is such an awesome venue. You know, there's so many different fans. Like, the rivalry is just incredible. Just, like, embracing the experience, you know, whether it's, you know, bad ice or different things like that, it's just a lot, you know, it's a lot of fun. And that kind of makes it more fun because it's just such a unique event.
[00:18:08] Speaker B: What would it mean for RPI to win both Cups, men and women? Something that hasn't been done since the women started participating in 2018.
[00:18:17] Speaker A: Yeah, it would be great. I think, you know, for us, we. We've had a pretty solid second half of the second half of the season, but, you know, this would be a great momentum builder for us, you know. But at the same time, for the women's program, they've had a lot of success here, which is great. So we're always rooting for them. And like we talked about earlier, it's cool to watch them. And for the past few years, we've seen them raised a couple of times and then we play after them. So it's a pretty motivating thing to see them win before and then get on the ice afterwards. So it's pretty cool. And, yeah, it definitely would be a great thing for us. Yeah, I think it just adds another chip on your shoulder, too. You know, it's awesome seeing the women's team win, and we were saying before, it kind of sets the team tone for your game, too. You can kind of feel the atmosphere in the building already with a lot of the fans coming for their game as well. And just. Yeah, there's a lot of people we want to do it for, too. Just, you know, the fans, we want to show them. You know what? Unfortunately, we haven't been able to show them as much at home. And the alumni, we feel we owe it to them as well. So we're super excited for the opportunity to get it, and hopefully both teams can come away with the win this year.
[00:19:20] Speaker B: Let's take a break. We'll talk about the women's edition of the Mayor's cup with members of the union and RPI women's team. So stay tuned for that. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
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Hi, this is Clarkson Hockey play by play announcer Bob Aufield and you're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot.
Welcome back to the podcast as we continue our look into the Mayors cup games this weekend between Union and RPI at MVP Arena. The women's game will start at 3 o'clock.
RPI has won five of the six cups since they joined the Mayor's cup battle and we have love that doubleheader we have down there MVP arena every year. Now the two teams did play earlier this season. A ECAC hockey game that was a Tuesday before Thanksgiving was an 11 o'clock start at Houston Field House as RPI hosted Kids Day. A lot of screaming kids and a lot of fun was had by all except maybe RPI at the end as Union pulled out a 3:2 overtime victory. While the talk of Mayor's cup was on everybody's mind Tuesday, the Union women and RPI women still have a game against each other Friday at Messering, an ECAC contest. So standing points on are on the line there. So a lot of that focus right now. The Mares cup not there yet.
RPI is two points ahead of Union in the standings. The Union stopped a five game losing streak on Saturday when it beat Harvard in overtime by a 32 score. So our Union's looking to get back on track. They're trying to, you know, they want to get home ice in the first round of the game in that ECAC hockey tournament. So they got some work to do in order to do that. So we talked about dealing with the league game and as well as the Mayors cup game. That's a 6 o'clock game Friday at Mesa Rink. So quick turnaround for both teams to get ready for the Mayors Cup. Let's begin our women's hockey Mare's cup coverage with Union head coach Tony Macy. His first year with the Garner Chargers. He was Associated head coach at Clarkston in the last few years. So he's getting his first taste of the Mayor's Cup.
Tony, your first go around here at the Mayor's Cup. What are your thoughts about playing in this game?
[00:22:13] Speaker A: Yeah, it's always good to be in a rivalry game, you know, a chance to play for a trophy during the middle of the season. Something that you don't, a lot of teams don't get to do. Right. So for us it takes on a special meaning with that and Kind of represent our, our school as well as the community itself.
[00:22:29] Speaker B: But you have to worry about a league game on Friday. So, I mean, how do you temper the excitement of this Mares cup game with the reality you need three points in the standings against the team you're trying to chase?
[00:22:39] Speaker A: Yeah, for sure. Like we're focusing strictly on Friday and then once Friday's done, then we'll move on to Saturday.
You know, we don't want to look past Friday's game for sure.
[00:22:48] Speaker B: How important is that game Friday?
[00:22:50] Speaker A: Oh, it's huge. Like, you can look at where we are in the standings with them and, you know, at the end of the season here, as many points as you can get and you get to do it against a team that's close to you in the standings. So it's more of like a six point swing than a just a three point swing. So obviously you haven't been here for the last couple of years, but, you know, dropping a couple in a row, how much talk is there maybe been amongst the team of trying to get that back? Yeah, there's an importance to this for sure. You know, we always want to make sure we're putting a good foot forward.
You know, obviously again, we want to make sure we take care of Friday and then Saturday comes along. We also want to do the same for that. So, you know, our game plan is not going to change too much from game to game. It's just going to be a matter of, you know, when you get here, you know, enjoy it, take it in, especially those that haven't been here before with it, and the older kids kind of take the reins and show them how it's done. And also, just how much have you been told about what this game is like playing in this kind of environment? How do you prepare a team to, you know, play in a, you know, bigger arena, more fans, that kind of thing? Yeah, I mean, personally, I've been in a lot of these types of games through the coaching career, luckily. So, you know, a lot of it's just getting in and getting aware of the surroundings, getting that stuff out of the way, getting rid of distractions. You know, our team's already got all the ticket stuff and all that stuff done as of yesterday. So just trying to get rid of distractions ahead of time and just kind of really focus in on what we have to do.
[00:24:17] Speaker B: What would be more exciting for the team? Winning Friday night to get those three points or winning the Mares Cup?
[00:24:23] Speaker A: Well, that's a tough one because I'll take Both.
[00:24:25] Speaker B: How's that representing the union players were Friday and Ma Bear. So let's listen to what they had to say about playing for the Mayor's cup as well as Friday's conference game against rp, the arena game.
[00:24:42] Speaker A: And I think it's incredibly meaningful for us to come out with a win here. So I think we just want to go into it playing our structure, executing the little details, and bringing in a strong work ethic.
[00:24:54] Speaker B: Emma.
[00:24:55] Speaker A: Yeah, I agree. I mean, senior year, it's special, and I think we're taking every moment, like, step by step and really, like, holding on to those moments. So obviously it would be really exciting. I think the first important thing is Friday's game, so we got to get that one done and then obviously focus on the Mayor's cup and. And bring it home this year.
[00:25:12] Speaker B: Yeah. Let me ask you about that. Obviously, you have to worry about that because you want to catch our friends, like, a couple points ahead of you in the standing. So how important do you have to worry about Friday's game before you worry about the Mares Cup?
[00:25:23] Speaker A: Very important. I would say. We really got to focus on that one before we kind of focus on anything else. So we're kind of dialing that one in first, and then we'll have a lot to take from that game to take into Saturday. So I think. Think it's. It's a good setup and. And, yeah, Mar. Yeah, I think Emma said it. We're just having our focus on Friday's game, get that one done, and then we'll go into Saturday, I think, with a better understanding of how RPI plays and so we can fix anything that I don't think if we're not playing well in the Friday game, but I think we're just excited to play both for both of you guys. Obviously, you want to switch the results, but just what has this game meant to you guys and. And what is it like to, you know, play in that kind of environment? Yeah, I think it's incredibly meaningful. I think it's an opportunity for us to both represent our community and our school. And so I think it's always great to see the support of the community and be able to give a little something back to them and have a great performance. Yeah, Marin said it. Well, I think it's. It's exciting to come into an arena that's pretty full and then to watch the men's game after. It's just like a special event, I would say. So it's exciting and it's. It's Very meaningful game for everybody, and it's all high emotion and high intensity. So I'm excited.
[00:26:34] Speaker B: What's it going to take to beat RPI twice this weekend?
[00:26:38] Speaker A: I think just outworking them and winning puck battles. I think going into it, as long as we stay calm, collected and execute, I think we have nothing to worry about. Yeah, I agree. Stick to our structure and kind of give it everything that we have. Take it game by game, which is what we've been doing, and just continue to do the little things that we do right. And play. Play our game and come out strong.
[00:27:01] Speaker B: Since the women's teams haven't. Since women's team started in the marriage cup in 2018, neither scores swept the cups. What would it take for the union men and union women, too, and what would it mean to take home both cups?
[00:27:15] Speaker A: I think it would just be incredibly exciting and a big moment for just our school and community. And so I think that should be our goal going into this Mare's cup as a joint team with the men's team. And so I think we're both just looking to perform well and come out with a good win. Yeah, I agree. I think both teams are very supportive of each other. We have. We're a lot of mutual friends. So I think it would be a really exciting moment for all of us, especially in the senior year for Marin and I. So I think it would be a very exciting and memorable moment for sure.
[00:27:50] Speaker B: Now let's go over to the RPI side. We'll begin with head coach Brian Vines, who's not only been part of the women's portion of the Mare's cup, but he's also part of the men's portion. He was the assistant coach with Seth Thappert back in the day, so he's been around these Mares cup games a long time. He's guided the RPI win the five victories and looking to make it six and. And a four straight Mayor's Cup. So let's hear from Brian Vines.
Yeah, you have the Mayor's cup game here. Sorry, but you also have a league game Friday. I mean, so how much emphasis do you have to worry about that game Friday than this one?
[00:28:27] Speaker A: Yeah, I mean, first things first. Friday and, you know, with league points on the line. So that's a big one, you know, but really excited, you know, for Saturday as well, to continue the run rivalry on. But just really how scheduling went this year. For whatever reason, we did play that school day game earlier, so we kind of had to split up the series a little Bit. But, but no, I mean, our focus is preparing for, for Union. Right. Who we're going to get twice this weekend. So. So yeah, so Friday's a big one.
[00:28:54] Speaker B: So. Yeah. How important is it with the league points? I mean, you guys are, you know, pretty close to each other in the standing. So I mean, is that more the bragging rights to, you know, win that game than it is to race Cup?
[00:29:04] Speaker A: I think what we talk about every year when there's a trophy on the line and it's, you know, it's a one game with your biggest rival, it's huge. I mean, our parent, our players, you know, they get up for this game every year. You know, it's circled on our calendar in the summer and they're excited for it. So. But yes, I mean, when there's league points and just how tight our standings are this year, I think we've been, you know, about a half point separated for the majority of the year. We're only two points separated right now as well. So as we try and both move up in our league standings, this is a really, really big game on Friday.
[00:29:37] Speaker B: You guys have won the last three Mayors Cup. You think there's more pressure on you on Union when you have the winning streak or that they have the losing streak?
[00:29:44] Speaker A: Yeah, you know, we've been fortunate. Like I said, every game has come right down to the wire. I think the last two are one nothing. And you know, we know it's going to be a complete battle, you know, for, for 60 minutes, if not more, going into overtime. Our last game against them in our building, we went to overtime as well and they made a big time play. So the rivalry, I mean, the parody just, you know, with, with, with us and them and it's going to come down to, to a bounce, you know, having won a couple in a row, you have a lot of players who have been there and done this. How much does that help and how much does that also, you know, motivate them to want to win it again? Because they know what that feeling is like. Yeah, yeah. I mean, we do have a veteran group that have been a part of quite a few of these and been on the winning side of them as well. And they know how well prepared and how hard we're going to have to play if we're going to have success against a team like Union. Their program's definitely on the rise. It has been for the last few years. We're both battling to move up the standings within our league as well. But having that experience and Background, I think, is definitely a positive for us.
[00:30:46] Speaker B: Since the women have joined the Mayor's cup here in 2017, 18, neither school has won the trophy. You know, swept the trophy. What do it mean for RPI to do that, to sweep the men and women when.
[00:31:00] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, I mean, it'd be. It'd be huge. But like I said, I mean, you know, both schools, you know, really, really great hockey programs, and, you know, that'd be an extremely difficult task, but. But it would definitely be special. Brian, you mentioned, I think, in your statement up there, just that overtime loss on Kids Day versus how much does your, you know, thoughts this week kind of go to that game and what you did right, wrong, and everything that happened there? Yeah, I mean, we'll. We'll watch back that game and, you know, and prepare as we do for them. But I thought it was a great hockey game. You know, the atmosphere was incredible. We had over a thousand screaming kids in our stands and. And, you know, so we're expecting, you know, a very similar atmosphere down there and then at the MVP center this weekend.
Awesome. Thanks.
[00:31:51] Speaker B: RPI players were represented by a pair of graduate students, Ford's Ellie Kaiser and Natalie Tolchinsky, who is from Clifton Park. So let's hear what they had to say about this weekend's games.
Guys. I mean, obviously, the Marist cup is. Sorry, but you have a little more important things to worry about Friday night with the conference games over at Union. How. How much you have to concern yourself with that before you worry about the Mayor's Cup.
[00:32:14] Speaker A: I think obviously there are EC points on the line, so right now we're prioritizing the Friday game. But once Saturday comes, we're going to focus on the Mares cup and do our best to win it.
Yeah, likewise. Like Ellie said, we have a big game Friday, so we need to focus on that first. But once that's over, all eyes turn to Mayor's cup, and we're definitely preparing. Having won three in a row, just how much focus and motivation is there to keep that streak alive? I think, obviously, since we've won the last three, I mean, as far as I've been here, we've been undefeated. So our goal from the beginning of the year was to win another Mayor's cup, and that's what we're hoping to do.
Yeah, likewise. I mean, incoming. As a graduate student, my first year here, I think it really makes means a lot, only one chance to win this cup and to kind of stick with the class and get that fourth in a row would Be amazing.
[00:33:06] Speaker B: Yeah. Since the women have started playing in this Mayor's cup in 2018, neither school has swept both cups. What would it mean for RPI to take home both the Men's and Women's Cups?
[00:33:16] Speaker A: I think obviously, since there's a huge rivalry there, that would mean a lot to the school and to the city of Troy. But regardless, we're excited, excited to play. It's such a good venue and have a lot of fun.
Yeah, likewise. Yeah, she said it perfectly.
[00:33:33] Speaker B: What would it mean for the senior class to go for 4 0?
[00:33:36] Speaker A: I think it would mean a lot. Like I said, you know, winning the past three, obviously the hope is to win again, but to go out, especially with such a big veteran group and so many, having so many grad students on our roster, that would mean like the world to us, especially nearing the ends of our careers. Is this kind of like a uniform bonding experience with the men's king innings, like different vendors, kind of like the community comes out? How bonding is it maybe for maybe the men's hockey team with the women's hockey team? Yeah, I think it's a great opportunity. You know, we play at three right before then, so when they get here a little early, you know, the fans too, they can watch our game and then. And a lot of us stay after and we get to watch their game and it's good for both of our teams and for the program. Yeah.
[00:34:22] Speaker B: I'll be back to wrap up the podcast and have the latest winner in the Deadly Gazettes. You pick a football contest, plus we'll have a tribute to hockey coaching legend Tommy McVie. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast.
Speed, Skill, Physicality.
[00:34:46] Speaker A: Home to college hockey's elite teams, coaches and student athletes.
[00:34:51] Speaker B: ECAC hockey.
[00:34:53] Speaker A: Twelve programs competing at the highest level. A league where champions are born and world class professionals are trained. Where history is abundant and the commitment to the cutting edge is unrivaled. The best facilities, the few, fiercest competition.
[00:35:08] Speaker B: ECAC hockey.
[00:35:10] Speaker A: There's no experience like it.
Hi, this is four time Stanley cup champion and New York State Hockey hall of Famer John Tinelli. You're listening to the Parting Shots podcast with Daily Gazette sports editor Ken Shot.
[00:35:28] Speaker B: Back to wrap up the podcast and before I announce the winner of the Daily Gazette. So you pick a football contest. I want to remember a hockey coaching legend, Tommy McVie, who passed away a couple of days ago at the age of 89.
I covered the American Tommy coached in the NHL, the WHA, the AHL. He was just a funny guy, a character I covered the HERSHEY Barris for five years, 1985 to 1990, for the York Daily Record. And one vivid memory of Tom Mcv occurred during the 1988-89 season in a game at Hershey park arena that the Utica Devils were leading by a goal going into the third period and the Devils stopped playing. Chris Drury was playing out of his head, you know, Chris Terrier later playing for the New Jersey Devils. And the Bears end up coming back and winning that game. So we go down to talk first with Hershey Bears coach John Paddock and a couple players and Steve Summers, longtime Hershey Bears beat writer for the Harrisburg Patriot. Late Steve Summers, who I really learned a lot in his business when I was covering the Bears.
Well, he and I decided to venture down to the Utica locker room area. And Tommy McVie was off in the coach's office stewing. And Steve asked a couple of questions and it was master class. I just sort of stood back and listened and just watched the whole thing while recording the interview. I wish I. I think I have the tape somewhere. I have to find it one of these days. But the interview was just Nonstop, just Tommy McVie just going off on his team. And Steve Summers asked about Terrari, about do you feel bad for him? And McVie just went off and says the most memorable quote for that is, too bad for Terrari, too bad for me, but that's what you get in this goddamn game. And as Steve and I walked back to the meeting room, we sort of chuckled at one another with some of the good stuff. But like I said, Tommy V was a character, a funny man, and they don't make him like that in hockey anymore, unfortunately. And so thank you for the memories, Tommy, and rest in peace.
The Week 20 winner in the Daily gazettes you pick a football contest was Patty Tedesco of Schenectady. With a 40 record for 16 points. Patty wins a $100 Hannaford gift card. Congratulations, Patty. The VIP winner was Scott Hudson of Emirates with a 4. 0 record for 16 points. I went 31 and I improved to 200 and 4 and 78. I announced you pickham football contest winner's name and that winner's name will appear in Thursday's Daily Gazette. To play go to dailygazette.com and click on the you pick em football banner. There's a couple more weeks left. The conference championship game Sunday and then Super Bowl Sunday in a couple of weeks.
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That wraps up another edition of the Parting Shots Podcast. I want to thank members of the union, men's and women's hockey teams for being a part of the show. If you have questions or comments about the podcast, email to me at shot. That's s c h o t
[email protected] follow me on X Threads and bluesky at Slap Shots.
The views expressed on the Pawning Shots podcast are not necessarily those on the Daily Gaze Gazette Company The Parting Shots podcast is a production of the Daily Gazette Company. I'm Daily Gazette Sports Editor Ken Shots. Thanks for listening and I'll catch you next time from the Parting Shots Podcast studio in Schenectady, New York. Good day, good hockey.
