Princeton vs. Clarkson, 12/3/10

Hobey Baker Rink

If you wish to experience a hockey game as if it were 1922, all you must do is make the pilgrimage to Hobey Baker Rink at Princeton. Reminding me only of Northeastern's Matthews Arena, Baker Rink is truly one of hockey's holy grails. The steel and rivet supports, the old style lighting, and stone walls took me back to the time of the game's beginnings. What a great atmosphere.

The rink was built in 1922, holds 2,092 fans, and is dedicated to Hobart Amory Hare Baker, Princeton Class of 1914. Baker was once called the greatest amateur hockey player in both America and Canada. He was ahead of his time, playing both football and hockey during his tenure at Princeton, while also majoring in history, politics, and economics. When he graduated in the spring of '14, he had compiled a record of 20 wins and 7 losses for the hockey team. However his record on the gridiron was more impressive, a school record 20 wins, 3 losses, and 4 ties. These were unheard of feats during his time. He never lost to Yale in football either. Did I mention he did this in only 3 years?

Hobey Baker '14

Before the teams skated out for the national anthems, (Princeton played both, I assume due to Clarkson's close proximity to our northern neighbors) I noticed Clarkson goalie Paul Karpowich '12 wait for Princeton to take the ice first. This is something I remember from my prep school hockey days. It was sign of mutual respect, let the home team take its ice first. I applaud Karpowich.

There were a few corporate sponsors on the arena walls (PNC bank for example), but at the same time not overdone. Princeton shouldn't put up any sponsors in this rink, it would be as if Yankee Stadium was renamed PNC Stadium. It just isn't right to spoil any of Baker Rink's flavor.

Princeton Goalie Mike Condon '13

I managed to secure a seat along a blueline on the top row of the seating bowl. It's better than it sounds because there are only 5 rows. My seat had its pros and cons. Close to the ice, but the glass made photography a problem. The Princeton Band made an appearance, but didn't play the national anthems. Perhaps the one negative of the whole experience.

Princeton Captain Taylor Fedun '11

The Tigers opened the scoring with Eric Meland '13 jamming in a puck in front a little over halfway through the 1st. Clarkson's Nik Pokulok '13 responded just 13 seconds later with a slapshot from the point to make it 1-1. The Golden Knights went on the score 3 more unanswered goals during a fast paced 2nd period. Princeton was able to respond towards the end of the 2nd, Rob Kleebaum '13 bringing the Tigers within 2. 

Clarkson's Allan McPherson '14 and Princeton's Kevin Ross '14

The comeback effort was extended by senior captain Taylor Fedun who scored on a beautiful top-shelf snap shot from the point. The Edmonton native's goal gave the Tigers hope and caused Clarkson to get more aggressive in its defensive zone. The Golden Knights gave Princeton an early Christmas present, 10 Power Plays. The Tigers however never capitalized in the final minutes and Clarkson iced the game 5-3 with an empty netter by Scott Freeman '11.

Clarkson's Brandon DeFazio '11

This was a great hockey game. The pace was furious and the crowd was electric, a near sellout. Unlike Harvard, I had to journey back to Connecticut after the game. As I finish this entry and head to bed, I am grateful I was able to take in a hockey game at one of the sport's great venues. Next up is Brown/RPI and Providence/Maine tomorrow in Rhode Island. 

CPF