| 10/7/2006 10:15:39 PM

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POTSDAM, NY -- Despite a valiant effort the RIT men's hockey team was defeated by Clarkson University, 4-2. Sophomore goaltender Louis Menard (Chicoutimi, PQ/Ottawa Jr. Senators) (Chicoutimi, PQ), starting his second collegiate game, made 36 saves and impressed head coach Wayne Wilson.

"Louis turned in a solid performance," said Wilson. "He played quite well in front of a hostile crowd."

Clarkson took a 1-0 lead at 15:53 of the first period on an even strength goal from Grant Clitsome.

David Cayer made it 2-0 Clarkson just 26 seconds into the second period.

Sophomore Brennan Sarazin (Nepean, ON/Nepean Raiders) (Nepean, ON) cut Clarkson's lead in half at 1:48 of the second with an even strength goal on an assist from Brent Patry (Ottawa, ON/Cumberland Grads) (Ottawa, ON).

Ricky Walton (Hamilton, ON/Hamilton Red Wings) tied the score at two with his even strength goal at 8:25 of the second on an assist from Matt Crowell (Kelowna, BC/Williams Lake Timberwolves) (Kelowna, BC).

RIT's newcomers played well for Coach Wilson in their first taste of college hockey. Wilson is pleased with their progress so far in the young season. 

Wilson has also been impressed how sophomores Justin Hofstetter (Bright, ON/Cambridge Winterhawks) (Bright, ON) and Bobby Raymond (Lucknow, ON/Owen Sound Greys) (Lucknow, ON) have stepped up their level of play this season.

The Golden Knights took the lead for good at the 9:54 mark of the third period on an even strength goal from Steve Zalewski.

Clarkson added an empty-net goalat 19:43 to put the game away.

Menard made 36 total saves including 15 in the first, 11 in the second and 10 in the third, keeping the Tigers in the game throughout.

RIT went 0-8 on the power play, while Clarkson converted on 1-of-9 chances. Clarkson out shot the Tigers, 40-28.

RIT hits the road next Saturday when they take on Union College on Saturday evening at 7 pm.