Union, RPI Hockey Prepare for Capital District Mayors’ Cup Doubleheader Saturday

The Capital District Mayors’ Cup is set to take place this Saturday at MVP Arena, featuring thrilling matchups in hockey. Both the men’s and women’s teams from Union and RPI will compete, promising an exciting day for fans of the sport.

Men’s Hockey: Breaking the Streak

The men’s teams come into the doubleheader with a lot on the line. Union’s Garnet Chargers, boasting a record of 14-8-2, aim to secure their fifth straight Mayors’ Cup victory. They achieved a notable 3-2 overtime win against RPI last season, who currently hold a 6-17-0 record.

This year’s event marks the first Mayors’ Cup experience for RPI head coach Eric Lang. He emphasizes the significance of this match for his team, stating it could be a turning point in their season. Union head coach Josh Hauge shares similar sentiments, highlighting the pride and rivalry that comes with this game.

Coaches’ Perspectives

• Josh Hauge (Head Coach, Union Men’s Hockey): “A little bit of how you do in this game determines if you have success or not. Everybody cares about this one.”
• Eric Lang (Head Coach, RPI Men’s Hockey): “These are the kind of games that can jumpstart your season. We want to be a team that nobody wants to play late in the year.”

Women’s Hockey: Future Olympians Shine

The women’s rivalry sees RPI (6-21-0) holding a competitive edge with five wins in their last seven encounters. However, Union (8-15-3) clinched victory during their latest matchup, ensuring a thrilling face-off.

Notably, this year’s game will feature standout players who are preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Union goalie Monja Wagner and RPI forward Nina Christof have both earned spots on their national teams, representing Switzerland and Germany respectively.

Quotes from Future Olympians

• Monja Wagner (Team Switzerland): “It’s unreal like so many emotions, I’m very excited to represent my country.”
• Nina Christof (Team Germany): “I think every little girl dreams of being at the Olympics one day. To actually have that dream come true is just a blessing.”

Both players will depart their respective teams after this weekend’s games to begin their training for the Olympics.

Event Schedule

The day’s events will kick off with the women’s hockey match at 3:00 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 6:00 p.m. This doubleheader is not just about competition; it’s a chance for both teams to secure bragging rights within the Capital District hockey community.

Fans can expect an action-packed day filled with collegiate hockey, showcasing both current talent and future Olympians at Filmogaz.com’s platform for comprehensive sports coverage.