Union and RPI Hockey Prepare for Capital District Mayors’ Cup Doubleheader
The much-anticipated Capital District Mayors’ Cup is set to unfold this Saturday at MVP Arena, showcasing both men’s and women’s hockey teams from Union College and RPI. This doubleheader promises excitement as both teams look to make their mark.
Men’s Hockey Showdown
The men’s teams are in need of a spark. Union’s Garnet Chargers, with a record of 14-8-2, aim to secure their fifth consecutive Mayors’ Cup victory. Last year’s finale ended with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the underperforming Engineers, who currently hold a record of 6-17-0.
- Union’s Head Coach: Josh Hauge emphasized the importance of this game in shaping their season. He noted, “Everybody cares about this one, and on Sunday, somebody’s going to have bragging rights.”
- RPI’s Head Coach: Eric Lang will be experiencing his first Mayors’ Cup. He expressed confidence that this matchup could be pivotal for his team as they work to turn around their recent performance.
Women’s Hockey Rivalry
The women’s matchup also boasts a compelling narrative. RPI holds a winning record against Union, with five wins out of their last seven encounters. Nonetheless, Union managed to secure a victory in their most recent meeting.
This game will feature two future Olympians. Union’s goalie, Monja Wagner, and RPI’s forward, Nina Christof, are set to represent their countries—Switzerland and Germany, respectively—at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
- Monja Wagner: “It’s unreal… I think we have a good group to go with Team Switzerland.”
- Nina Christof: “Every little girl dreams of being at the Olympics one day… I’m really grateful for it.”
Game Details
Both players will depart from their teams after this weekend to start their Olympic training. The schedule for the day is as follows:
| Game | Time |
|---|---|
| Women’s Game | 3:00 p.m. |
| Men’s Game | 6:00 p.m. |
With bragging rights on the line, this doubleheader is not just another set of matches; it’s a chance for both Union and RPI to define their seasons. Fans can look forward to an action-packed day at MVP Arena.
