Pittsburgh, PA - On Wednesday, (#3) Men's Hockey (19-5-1, 10-5-1) hosts SUNY Brockport (10-15-0, 6-10-0) for their 1st round matchup of the UCHC tournament. Puck drop between the Cougars and the Golden Eagles is slated for 5:30 pm at the Alpha Ice Complex. 

The Cougars have faced off against the Golden Eagles nine different times in program history, sporting 4 head-to-head victories. The two matched up earlier this season, splitting a highly competitive series in November. The first game of the season series resulted in a 5-4 Cougars' overtime comeback victory in hostile territory. The Cougars trailed 4-2 late in the third period, when reigning UCHC Player of the Year senior Nick Cyprian scored on the power play, and junior Michael Roby potted the equalizer with 38 seconds left in the game. In the extra frame, Roby completed the hat trick to put the Cougars over the top. Game two saw the Cougars lose a tightly contested game 2-1, with Roby adding another critical goal.

Michael Roby looks to build off his impressive series and strong junior year campaign. His 22 goals rank 1st in the UCHC. Nick Cyprian closes behind, setting a career best with 17 goals, ranking him 3rd in the conference. The Cougars high powered offense is highlighted by 4 players ranking one, two, three, and four in the assist leader board, while having five of the top ten points getters. Defensively, the Cougars will be led by junior goaltender Cameron Kuntar, who leads the UCHC in both goals against average and save percentage. 

The Cougars aim to surpass their UCHC semi-finals appearance in the 2024-25 season. Men's Hockey beat Nazareth in the opening round before ultimately losing in the second round. Across the ice, SUNY Brockport is looking to make the semis after a first-round exit last season. 

The winner of Wednesday's matchup will reach the semi-finals and face off against either SUNY Geneseo or Utica, both conference powerhouses. The next round of the UCHC tournament is set to take place on Saturday, February 28th.