The historic rivalry between Colgate University and Cornell University continued on the ice with a two-game men’s hockey series that took place on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7. The first game was a home match at the Class of 1965 Arena and concluded in a 5-2 loss for Colgate. The second game, away at Cornell, ended in a 3-2 Raider victory after a thrilling overtime period.
Senior goalie Andrew Takacs commented on the rivalry.
“It’s something that’s been in our history for quite some time, and I think that it brings out the best in each team. It’s the one time a year that a game, prior to the playoffs, feels like everything is on the line,” Takacs said. “Since I was a [first-year], we’ve always split the regular season series with Cornell, but getting our season ended by them last year was all the motivation our team and I needed.”
As Takacs mentioned, the series had a particular poignancy due to Cornell ending Colgate’s playoff run last season. Sophomore forward Ryan Spinale also spoke about the matchup’s magnitude.
“It’s one of those matchups that’s easy to get fired up for. Having it be a whiteout and completely sold out just makes it that much more special,” Spinale said.
Takacs emphasized how the team prepared for this series with the same laser-focus and determination that they would for any other opponent.
“We give them the same amount of respect as any other team we face, so the preparation can’t change just because it’s a rival,” Takacs said.
On Feb. 6, Colgate struck first with an early goal at 6:35 in the first period by junior Antonio Fernandez. At the 7:53 mark, Cornell responded with a goal of their own. The next ten minutes were intense, but ultimately scoreless, with a plethora of saves by Takacs in goal. However, Cornell managed to score near the end of the period at the 18:01 mark.
The second period began with an early power play that Colgate was unable to capitalize on. Cornell countered soon after with a power play of their own that they were able capitalize on, pushing the lead to 3-1. The second period ended without another score. Spinale scored a goal for Colgate to cut the deficit at 8:29 in the third period. Cornell scored at the 17:50 mark and then added an empty net goal in the final two minutes of the game. The game ended in a 5-2 Cornell victory.
Takacs stressed that the loss was not emblematic of systemic issues for Colgate.
“We had a couple of unlucky bounces not go our way in the first game that led to some timely scoring for Cornell,” Takacs said.
The second game in the series on Feb. 7 began with a Cornell goal at 13:52 during a power play, with the first period ending in a 1-0 Cornell lead. Colgate capitalized on a power play to begin the second period, with sophomore Isaiah Norlin scoring at the 9:43 mark. Colgate extended the lead with a second power play goal, this time from sophomore Michael Neumeier at 17:28 in the second period. The second period ended in a 2-1 Colgate lead.
Cornell quickly tied the game with a goal at 3:03 in the third period, sending the game to overtime. Norlin struck early, at the 1:11 mark, putting Colgate up on the assist from sophomore Max Nagel and first-year Easton Wainwright. The overtime victory was the first win against Cornell since Jan. 26, 2019.
First-year forward Davide Patella praised Norlin in the challenging victory.
“It was a hard-fought game, but [Norlin] was the difference maker and helped us split the weekend,” Patella said.
Takacs also praised many of his teammates for their efforts in this victory.
“The biggest impact and difference maker in our win against Cornell was [first-year] Reid Dyck. He was steady and consistent when needed in the first period,” Takacs said. “He completely took over the game and swung momentum back in our favor in the second period. I was also so happy to see the power play get rolling again on Saturday, with our defensemen like Norlin and Neumeier scoring with support from our forwards. Our defensive core has been top-notch this year in production, but that’s also because of the support and grind that our forwards go through to let them get opportunities.”
The men’s hockey Colgate-Cornell rivalry is always an exciting, intense series, and this year certainly did not disappoint. Looking forward, Colgate men’s hockey continues with its competitive ECAC schedule as they head toward the playoffs.
Takacs commented on the lively atmosphere that home games bring.
“It’s such a memorable experience when we can sell out the Class of 1965 Arena in front of our peers and the local community,” Takacs said. “It means a lot to us to see our friends, family, academic staff and stable community base of Hamilton all supporting us in our biggest regular season game at home. We hope for the same for our last home weekend — senior night — on the 27 and 28 this month.”
